A year ago, our California reporter told a story about the red tape that’s standing between millions of adults and money that could help them enroll in community college.
In writing about the federal funds that are designed to help adults without high school-diplomas, Adam Echelman, who covers the massive California community college system for us and for our partner CalMatters, pointed out state leaders’ inaction. He uncovered a solution, too.
Now, Adam’s reporting has spurred lawmakers to act.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian said late last month that the state has submitted a proposal to simplify the ways that students qualify for this financial-aid provision.
“This initiative has the ability to change lives,” Christian said in a statement. “It will open college and career opportunities for adult learners seeking to pursue their academic aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
About Open Campus
Founded in 2019, Open Campus is the only nonprofit news organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to higher education. It’s built on an innovative collaborative model, combining a national newsroom that knows higher ed deeply with local newsrooms that know their communities deeply. Open Campus has put local reporters on the higher-ed beat in partnerships with 14 newsrooms around the country. Learn more about our model.