Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program: private nonprofit postsecondary educational institutions.
Impact
The enactment of AB 1267 is deemed necessary to prevent impending cuts to Cal Grant aid that could profoundly affect students' educational opportunities within California. This bill intends to address these challenges by ensuring that financial assistance reflects the real costs of attending private nonprofit educational institutions, thus promoting increased access to higher education for students who might otherwise struggle with tuition costs. The urgency status of this bill underscores the importance of a rapid response to protect student funding.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1267, introduced by Assembly Member Kiley, amends the Education Code related to the California Grant Program, specifically targeting financial aid for students attending private nonprofit postsecondary educational institutions. The existing law established maximum tuition award amounts for Cal Grant A and B awards, which were set at $9,084 for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 award years, and subsequently lowered to $8,056 for the 2017-18 award year. In contrast, this bill proposes an increase of the maximum tuition award amount to no less than $10,000 for the 2017-18 award year and each subsequent year for new recipients at qualifying institutions.
Contention
There are potential points of contention around the funding allocations and the financial implications for the State's budget. Critics may argue that increasing the maximum tuition award could place additional strain on state resources, particularly with the ongoing challenges in education funding. On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that investing in education is essential for the state’s future, especially in supporting diverse pathways to postsecondary success amid rising tuition fees.
Student financial aid: Cal Grants: Middle Class Scholarship Program: eligibility: dependents of members of the armed services stationed outside of California.