A combination of federal, state, and institutional grant aid can significantly lower the costs of college. AICCU continues to advocate for increased investments into the Cal Grant program to increase college access and help students succeed. #CalGrantCan

NEW EPISODE out now for our Insights with AICCU podcast. Doug Lederman , co-founder of Inside Higher Ed, examines the state of higher ed and how it has changed through his perspective as a journalist covering the industry for nearly 40 years. Listen now: spoti.fi/3ryRY7T.

This year’s theme for #WorldHealthDay underscores the right of everyone to have access to quality healthcare. One of our institutions, University of the Pacific, is bridging gaps in healthcare access with the expansion of a community healthcare clinic. Details: bit.ly/4cO7zDM

Congratulations to Jonathan Levin on his presidential appointment. Jonathan has made valuable contributions to Stanford University's advancement throughout his career as a student, faculty member, and academic leader. We look forward to working with him when he takes office in August.

April is #DiversityMonth and AICCU is proud to celebrate the diversity in our sector, where 60% of undergrads are persons of color. Our institutions strive to address underrepresentation through resources and support aimed at creating equitable opportunities in college access.

Drea Alonzo ’26 and Veronica Bañuelos ’24 want first-generation, low-income students to have access to more higher education options out of high school.
pomona.edu/news/2024/03/2…

Presidents Ann McElaney-Johnson (#MSMUnstoppable) and André Stephens (@fpu) were at the State Capitol yesterday to advocate for students. Thank you to ASM Jacqui Irwin, @sensusaneggman & Jim Patterson for meeting with us to discuss the importance of Cal Grant in expanding higher ed access.

For #NationalVolunteerMonth , AICCU would like to recognize our institutions participating in California Volunteers's College Corps: Concordia University, University of the Pacific, USD, and Vanguard University. Students in the program gain valuable leadership skills, all while serving their communities.

#CalGrantCan help students focus on their studies and earning their degrees by alleviating financial burdens many students face in their college journeys— whether that be paying for tuition, books, and school supplies or living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.

Congratulations to Michele Siqueiros on her 20 years of service in promoting college access for all students to ensure that higher education is equitable, affordable, and achievable. We look forward to working with Jessie Ryan in continuing that mission.

Congratulations to Tom Stritikus on his appointment. Tom is currently president of Fort Lewis College, where he helps lead the Native American-serving institution in serving a high percentage of first-gen students. We look forward to working with Tom when he takes office in July.

AICCU would like to give special thanks to Alexis Takagi for her service on CA Student Aid Commission. As the student rep for independent colleges, she brought a passionate voice for the financial needs of our students and progress towards Cal Grant reform inclusive of ICCU student success.

🚨ASSEMBLY BILL 1887 HAS BEEN SIGNED INTO LAW BY California Governor Gavin Newsom! The application deadline for state financial aid programs like Cal Grant & Middle Class Scholarship is now extended to MAY 2, giving CA students more time to complete the #FAFSA ! #DeliveringResults 💪🏽 1/x

Congratulations to Chapman University's Harold Hewitt on his appointment by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the CEFA. Many of our member institutions utilize CEFA and we look forward to working with Harold on strengthening this important partnership.

AB 1887 by Sabrina Cervantes was approved by the Assembly. AICCU supports the bill, which would extend the Cal Grant application deadline to May 2. This extension is needed as the FAFSA continues to present challenges for students, particularly those whose families are undocumented.

AICCU advocated for investments to the Cal Grant today in an Assembly budget hearing. We urge David Alvarez, Assemblywoman Megan Dahle, Bill Essayli, Assemblymember Mike Fong, Asm. Kevin McCarty, Asm. Al Muratsuchi, Asm. Jesse Gabriel & Assemblyman Vince Fong to listen to stories of students like Gil who rely on Cal Grant

#CalGrantCan help students become the first in their families to go to college. Gil Lopez Garcia was worried he would not be able to further his education after high school due to financial barriers. He credits the Cal Grant in helping him attend Chapman University.

#CalGrantCan make higher education more accessible and affordable for students. AICCU continues to advocate for increased investments into the Cal Grant program so that our students can pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of heavy financial constraints.