Education News from January to May 2023

Federal OMNIBUS Appropriations Bill Provides Funds for LARC Colleges 

The omnibus package passed and signed at the end of 2022 includes seven Congressional earmarks totaling over $8.8 million for LARC’s #19Strong community colleges. This includes: 

• $750,000 for LACCD’s Districtwide STEM Academy  
• $1 million for the LA Trade Tech College mobile work-based programs  
• $2 million for Mission College’s health/STEM programs  
• $1.3 million for West LA College’s Climate Change Center 
• $2 million for Pierce College’s biotech BA program. 
• $1.25 million for Glendale Community College’s student basic needs 
• $500,000 for Pasadena Community College District’s family resource center 

Read more on the passed legislation and community college projects across the country that will receive funding here. 

Hot of the Presses: Compton College in Forbes Magazine 

Congratulations to Compton College for being featured in Forbes Magazine this month! On February, LARC celebrates both Career Education Month and Black History Month. If you are craving a story that highlights the power of both career-focused education and the incredible achievements of Black leadership, then this is the story for you. (Photo: Compton College President Keith Curry at commencement. Credit to Trace Breshears/Courtesy of Compton College)

Expanded CalFresh Student Eligibility Ending June 10 

Students who are eligible for work-study and those with families who do not financially contribute to their education may soon lose CalFresh eligibility. We encourage our LARC community to spread the word and support students with applying to CalFresh before the June 10th deadline. You can learn more here.

Empowering Detained Youth: $15 Million for Community College Programs 

With the upcoming closure of the state’s Department of Juvenile Justice, county detention centers are now responsible for housing and educating youth until the age of 25. Thanks to a $15 million investment from the state, the community colleges consortium Rising Scholars Network will have the ability to increase academic opportunities for students in the juvenile justice system and prepare youth for success upon exiting the facilities.  

Read the full story here.