California Budget Delivers Key Investments in Community Colleges

The California State Budget, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 27, 2025, includes significant investments in the California Community Colleges (CCC) system. These allocations reflect the state’s continued commitment to expanding access, advancing equity, and strengthening student support for the 1.8 million students served by community colleges.

The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is deeply grateful to Governor Newsom and the Legislature for their steadfast support. These investments will enhance the district’s ability to serve students across its nine colleges, respond to regional workforce needs, and close opportunity gaps.

Budget Highlights for CCCs:

• $260 million return to CCCs beginning in 2025–26 through a revised split of Proposition 98 funding for Transitional Kindergarten.
• $20 million (one-time) for flexible emergency financial aid to help students facing unexpected hardships.
• $100 million (one-time) to support current-year (FY 2024–25) enrollment growth.
• $60 million (one-time) for a new Student Support Block Grant to expand wraparound services.
• $6.3 million (one-time) to reimburse Firefighter Apprenticeship programs.
• $15 million (one-time) to expand Dream Resource Liaisons, supporting undocumented students.
• $5.1 million (one-time) to bolster Financial Aid Community Support.
• $5 million (one-time) for Career Technical Education (CTE) grants, supporting regions impacted by the L.A. wildfires.
• $25 million (one-time) for the Career Passports Initiative, with new reporting requirements to track outcomes.
• $15 million (one-time) and $5 million (ongoing) to expand Credit for Prior Learning, helping students earn credit for skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom.

These investments reinforce the critical role of community colleges in California’s education and workforce ecosystems—and position LACCD to continue leading in student success, economic mobility, and community impact.

 “We are pleased to see the various carveouts for community colleges, and in particular, the investments in Dream Resource Centers and the Student Support Block Grant,” said Chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román. “The restoration of $260 million to our system, along with targeted funding for enrollment growth, emergency financial aid, credit for prior learning, and critical programs like firefighter apprenticeships and career education, reinforces California’s commitment to providing students with the resources to thrive.”

“State investments are a meaningful step toward advancing equity and student empowerment across our community colleges,” said Board of Trustees President Dr. Kelsey Iino. “This funding will support the diverse realities our students face, empowering them to pursue their goals with confidence and stability.”