These community college grads are headed to universities. A basic income program helped make it happen

Under a scorching sun, thousands of students, faculty, family and friends gathered at the Greek Theatre this month to celebrate L.A. City College’s graduation.

In his remarks, the college’s president, Amanuel Gebru, noted that many students had balanced their schoolwork with jobs, family responsibilities and much more. As he listed each challenge, graduates in the crowd nodded along.

“You did more than finish,” Gebru told the graduates. “You rose through uncertainty, overcame setbacks, and held onto hope when it was hard to find.”

For new graduate Muslima Mirkhalilova, the president’s words rang especially true.

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