Image by Debalina GhoshOPINION – The FRESH Act will remove barriers to necessary services, increase the likelihood of successful reentry for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community, and maximize utilization of a federally-funded program that benefits California.
A homeless student sleeps on a park bench at night. (Photo: E_Photos, via Shutterstock)Facing the pandemic and financial woes, California’s community colleges are struggling to provide programs to meet some of their students’ most basic needs, such as food and shelter. The efforts come as many community college students report a loss of income, increased h0melessness and a worsening financial situation.
Students at the graduation ceremonies of UCLA. (Photo: Joseph Sohm)OPINION: California is recognized as an innovative economic leader boasting access to world class higher education, yet the state is quickly being outpaced in the percentage of students who actually complete their degrees. What drives this chasm between shining opportunity and lackluster outcomes? One reason is as simple as it is startling: Students’ basic needs are not being met.