Posts Tagged: community colleges

Opinion

Women will benefit greatly from necessary financial aid reform

College students performing research in a biology science class. (Photo: Rido, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: A daughter of immigrants working hard labor jobs. A first-generation student who suffered the loss of her father and whose mom was laid off. A single mother working to provide for her three children. These are the students our California colleges would have lost and whose futures would have been limited were it not for financial aid.

Opinion

Community colleges’ remedial classes spur racial inequity

College students in class in the era of the pandemic. (Photo: Syda Productions, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: As a political science major, I’ve studied our country’s history and listened to my professors talk about political movements. I’ve learned that change rarely happens unless people speak up when they see inequities and injustice. That’s why I’m speaking up about a systemic injustice a t our state’s community colleges. These institutions disproportionately enroll Black and Latinx students in remedial courses and this is a key driver of inequities in who graduates and transfers to four-year universities. It’s racist and it’s wrong.

Opinion

State’s rigid funding rules hurt community colleges

College students working jointly on a project. (Photo: Prostock-studio, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: Earlier this month, the nation’s largest system of higher education, the California Community Colleges, reported that it had met a key goal of increasing by 20 percent the number of students who earn college credentials. While this is impressive, there is more work ahead to meet the remaining goals that are focused on closing achievement gaps for students of color and for students living in poorer regions of the state.

Opinion

March 3: Voters will decide on $15 billion for schools

Students at their graduation ceremonies at UCLA. (Photo: Joseph Sohm, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: Voters may be surprised to find Proposition 13 on their March 3 ballot because they recall the 1978 vote on another Proposition 13. But be assured: This year’s Prop. 13 has nothing to do with the well-known tax-cutting measure and everything to do with the future of the state. Proposition 13 is the strongest statewide school bond measure in California history, providing $15 billion to make educational facilities safe for students.

News

CSU faculty, workers air concerns

Students heading to classes at San Diego State. (Photo: Pictor Picture, via Shutterstock)

The fiscal outlook at California State University is good and the sprawling, 23-campus system that serves nearly a half-million students is in the midst of expansion. But there appear to be segments of CSU that aren’t all that happy — the faculty and the university’s workers.

Opinion

Key advantages of a private nursing education

Nursing students at a university health care facility. (Photo: Africa Studio, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: Nursing is in my blood. My parents are both nurses. My sister, countless cousins and others in my family have all dedicated themselves to serving others through the noble profession of nursing. When I graduated high school, I briefly tried to outrun my destiny. I left Los Angeles to enroll at UC Merced, only to find that the call to nursing remained strong.

Opinion

Nursing shortage grows — and state isn’t helping any

Nurses in the corridor of a busy hospital. (Photo: SpotMatik Ltd, via Shutterstock)

OPINION: There’s a severe shortage of registered nurses in California, and it’s getting worse. Experts predict the state could be short nearly 200,000 nurses by 2030, with rural areas among the most vulnerable to the deficit.

Opinion

Community college students need better financial aid

Students sharing knowledge in a college study hall. (Photo: Rawpixel.com

OPINION: California Community colleges do an outstanding job offering degree attainment and education opportunities that lead to rewarding careers for the 2.1 million students who attend. But far too many of those students cannot cover enrollment fees and basic living expenses, putting them at risk. The current financial aid formula does not fully address the needs of students working to meet their academic goals, and in many cases, working full-time to support themselves and their families.

Opinion

California needs a new vision for higher education

Graduates await their diplomas in graduation ceremonies at UCLA. (Photo: Joseph Sohm)

OPINION: California has always captured the imagination of visionaries and innovators. Historically, our state leaders have backed up big ideas with concrete plans and sound investments, which has paid dividends for California. For example, California’s Master Plan for Higher Education encompassed a bold vision and plan for ensuring that every Californian had equal access to a high-quality college-level education.

News

Community colleges: Funding fix needed

Glendale Community College near Los Angeles. (Community college photo)

OPINION: Gov. Jerry Brown is trying to revamp the way funding for the state’s 114 community colleges is determined, which is smart since the current practice of funding schools in various regions of the state based almost entirely on enrollment does not do the areas with the highest need students any good.

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