February 23 '24•Staff•sacramento• free tuition• education

Bill Proposed To Extend Tuition-Free Education

Assemblymember Marc Berman speaks at event
Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) took a noteworthy step to assist students and tackle financial uncertainties by presenting AB 3158 in the past month. This proposed law aims to give the West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) the authority to remove tuition fees for all students within its service area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

MENLO PARK, CA -- In a significant move aimed at supporting students and addressing financial insecurities, Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) introduced AB 3158 earlier this month. This legislation seeks to empower the West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) to eliminate tuition fees for all students residing in its service area.

Assemblymember Berman, a vocal advocate for accessible education, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaborative effort, stating, “I am excited to join forces with West Valley-Mission Community College District to eliminate tuition fees for their students. Two-thirds of California’s community college students struggle with basic needs insecurities such as food and housing, a reality mirrored in WVMCCD’s student population.”
 
The proposed bill builds upon the success of the San Mateo County Community College District’s Free Tuition program, which was previously supported by Assemblymember Berman. AB 3158 aims to alleviate the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their education without worrying about the costs.
 
“AB 3158 gives our local community college district the authority to put significant financial resources back into students’ pockets, ensuring they don’t have to choose between taking the extra class they need or affording groceries or rent. I applaud the leadership at West Valley-Mission Community College District for doing everything they can to support their students to achieve their higher education dreams,” continued Assemblymember Berman.
Capital of Sacramento on a recent day
AB 3158 aims to ease the financial strain on students, enabling them to concentrate on their education without the burden of costs.
The legislation comes as a response to the escalating living costs in the Bay Area, seeking to make higher education more accessible by eliminating state-mandated tuition fees. WVMCCD, funded through local property taxes, has managed to balance its budget without imposing additional student fees, thanks to the success of the District’s College Promise Scholarship.
 
Chancellor Bradley Davis highlighted the operational challenges faced by the existing program, stating, “While our Promise Program has been a huge step in the right direction, making it operational has been a complex and costly endeavor. This bill will streamline the process, making free education a reality and empowering our staff to focus on what they do best: nurturing the minds and talents of our students.”
West Valley College Student Trustee Melanie Ho emphasized the positive impact of the bill on students facing financial strain. She stated, "Because of the soaring costs of living in the Bay Area, many students are trapped in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.” Ho believes that the bill will “ease financial strain and foster a more equitable learning environment.”
Beyond the immediate benefits for students, the legislation is positioned as an investment in the community. Studies indicate that higher education correlates with increased economic activity, reduced crime rates, and enhanced civic engagement. By fostering an educated workforce, AB 3158 is poised to yield long-term benefits for the local economy and community well-being.
Board President Anne Kepner emphasized the commitment of the Board to eliminate barriers for students. 
 
She stated, “In an effort to eliminate barriers preventing students from achieving their educational goals, the Board recently allocated resources to waive student health and parking fees, provide free childcare for students, and have approved a pilot program to waive tuition for students living in our service area. We are grateful Assemblymember Marc Berman will champion a bill allowing us to expand our free tuition program.”
Sponsored by West Valley-Mission Community College District, AB 3158 has garnered support from local legislators. State Senator Josh Becker is a principal co-author, and Assemblymember Evan Low and Gail Pellerin are co-authors. As WVMCCD experiences a resurgence in overall enrollment post-COVID-19, the District is poised to expand its impact with new bachelor’s degrees and workforce development programs on the horizon.
 
“This bill comes during a renaissance of opportunity for our district, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and educational enrichment. It is a testament to our belief that unrestricted access to education is a fundamental right, pivotal in unlocking every student's potential,” shared Chancellor Davis.
AB 3158 marks a significant step towards making higher education more accessible and eliminating financial barriers for students in the West Valley-Mission Community College District.
 
Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
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