09/28/2008 GAAS:678:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation Helping Disadvantaged Youth Prepare for and Succeed in College
Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger today announced he has signed SB
890 by Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) and SB
1457 by Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), measures that will help
assist disadvantaged youth in preparing for and succeeding in college. The
Governor also announced he has signed SB
946 by Senator Scott.
"Education is an
important key to the economic future of California and these measures will help ensure
more students are able to achieve the dream of a college education," said
Governor Schwarzenegger.
The "Save Me a Spot in College" bill (SB 890) establishes the Early Commitment to College (ECC) program, a voluntary program for students, school districts, colleges and universities designed to increase college preparation for low-income K-12 students. Participating districts would be required to undertake a variety of activities aimed at increasing high school completion rates and motivating students to take rigorous college preparatory or career technical courses. Participating students would take a "Save Me a Spot in College" pledge committing to meet all high school graduation requirements, enroll in college prep or technical coursework and apply for financial aid. The measure would also provide participating students a California Community College (CCC) fee waiver for two or more years of enrollment, as long as the student is a resident of California and shows financial need on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SB
1457 by Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) creates a college savings
program for foster children, economically disadvantaged youth and other at-risk
youth. The bill establishes the CalSAVE program, administered by the State
Treasurer's office, to increase access to college for the identified groups by
expanding ScholarShare,
California's "529" college savings
plan. The bill also includes stipulations for former or current members of the
California National Guard.
SB 946 expands the Early Assessment Program (EAP), established by the California State University (CSU), to include the California Community Colleges (CCCs). This bill authorizes the individual results of the California Standards Test (CST) and the augmented CST to be provided to the Office of the Chancellor of the CCCs, which would coordinate with community college districts that choose to voluntarily participate in the EAP.
