California 2021-2022 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SB885

Introduced
1/27/22  
Introduced
1/27/22  
Refer
2/9/22  
Refer
2/9/22  
Refer
3/1/22  
Report Pass
3/9/22  
Report Pass
3/9/22  
Refer
3/9/22  
Refer
3/9/22  
Report Pass
3/30/22  
Report Pass
3/30/22  
Refer
3/31/22  
Refer
3/31/22  
Report Pass
5/19/22  
Engrossed
5/25/22  
Refer
6/2/22  
Refer
6/2/22  
Report Pass
6/15/22  
Report Pass
6/15/22  
Refer
6/15/22  
Refer
6/15/22  
Report Pass
6/29/22  

Caption

Community colleges: Current and former foster youth support: NextUp.

Impact

The revisions brought about by SB 885 significant implications for the delivery of educational services to foster youth. By allowing more community college districts to participate in the NextUp Program, the bill aims to increase the number of students who can receive vital services such as counseling, tutoring, financial literacy support, and assistance with childcare and housing. Additionally, the bill enables students enrolled in fewer than nine units to be accepted if their educational plan aligns with future full-time enrollment, thus offering more flexible pathways for foster youth pursuing higher education.

Summary

Senate Bill 885, introduced by Senator Laird, amends various sections of the Education Code to enhance support for current and former foster youth in the context of public postsecondary education. Specifically, the bill renames the existing Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support Program to 'NextUp' and expands its authorization by removing the restriction of only 20 community college districts being eligible to participate. This change is aimed at facilitating greater access to educational resources and support services for foster youth across a wider range of community colleges in California.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 885 appears to be positive, especially among advocates for foster youth and educational reform. Supporters believe that the expansion of the NextUp program is a crucial step towards addressing the unique challenges faced by foster youth as they transition into adulthood. However, there remains an undercurrent of concern about the adequacy of funding and resources allocated to ensure the program's implementation effectively meets its newly enhanced objectives.

Contention

Despite the overall support for the bill, some voices have raised concerns regarding its financial implications, particularly regarding the potential strain on community colleges and the adequacy of funding models. Questions about how funds will be allocated, particularly with the changes in the percentage allocated for program administration and accountability, could indicate challenges ahead. These discussions highlight an ongoing tension between the need for expanded support for foster youth and the realities of budgetary constraints within the educational system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB307

Middle Class Scholarship Program: community colleges: current and former foster youth.

CA AB867

Foster youth.

CA AB2403

Community colleges: student equity plan.

CA AB2137

Homeless and foster youth.

CA AB1506

Foster youth.

CA AB3223

Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program.

CA SB1322

Foster youth: Chafee Educational and Training Vouchers Program.

CA AB1142

Community colleges: costs for using facilities or grounds.

CA AB1955

Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act.

CA SB408

Foster youth with complex needs: regional health teams.

Similar Bills

CA SB228

Public postsecondary education: support services for foster youth: Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support Program.

CA SB512

Public postsecondary education: support services for foster youth: Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support Program.

CA SB958

Public postsecondary education: support services for foster youth: Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support Program.

CA SB183

Higher education trailer bill.

CA AB183

Higher education trailer bill.

CA AB2341

Student Equity and Achievement Program: Rising Scholars Network: justice-involved students.

CA SB843

Higher education trailer bill.

CA AB1809

Higher education trailer bill.