Press Article: California’s Cal Grant Program Poised for Important Changes to Aid Nontraditional Students
By Rukshan Samaranayake, Special for CalMatters
In a crucial move to support California’s diverse student population, Assembly Bill 402 is under consideration in the state Senate, aiming to bolster the Cal Grant program. This initiative is particularly significant for nontraditional students navigating their unique educational paths.
Reflecting on his own journey from combat engineer in the U.S. Army to college graduate, Samaranayake underscores the transformative power of financial aid. After overcoming financial barriers, he successfully completed his associate’s degree and went on to earn a bachelor’s from National University, thanks in part to the GI Bill. He emphasizes that many Californians lack similar funding options, with financial strain being a leading cause of college dropout rates.
The Cal Grant program currently assists nearly 700,000 low- and middle-income Californians, with two-thirds of recipients being first-generation college students and a substantial portion being adult learners juggling various responsibilities. However, the amount awarded has not kept pace with rising college costs.
AB 402 proposes two critical adjustments: restoring Cal Grant scholarship amounts to 2001 levels and increasing the maximum award for students attending independent institutions to $9,708 annually starting in 2025-26. This measure would benefit approximately 31,000 students at private nonprofit colleges.
Moreover, the bill ensures that transferring community college students retain their Cal Grant eligibility, thereby facilitating smoother transitions and broader opportunities for thousands of California’s community college transfers.
With financial aid playing a pivotal role in educational pursuits, AB 402 represents a vital investment in the future of countless Californians striving for higher education and career advancement. As Samaranayake aptly states, “Everyone should have a chance to get the financial support they need to reach the finish.”
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