California's Innovative Legislation Aims to Boost Funding for Black Students' Education

From 2010 to 2020, Black enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions decreased by approximately 22%. To tackle this issue in California, Assemblymember Mike Gipson has introduced Assembly Bill 335. This bill aims to establish a competitive grant program to fund resources and services targeting underserved students at California State Universities (CSUs) and community colleges with significant Black student populations. The CSU Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success will manage the initiative known as the Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions Grant Program, allocating $75 million in grants—$25 million for CSU campuses and $50 million for community college districts. Designated institutions can request base grants of $250,000, along with the potential for additional supplemental funding of up to $500,000. Recipients must provide local funding matches and submit annual expenditure reports. Gipson emphasized the need for such support, as systemic barriers hinder Black students' completion of their degrees.