Sacramento – Yesterday, AB 2015 authored by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-San Bernardino), passed the Assembly floor with wide bi-partisan support. AB 2015 would require school districts to ensure that their students receive information on how to properly complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) at least once before entering the 12th grade.
For many in California, the primary barrier to receiving a college education is the associated price tag. Costs at college institutions have consistently risen over the past decades as states have been less able to continue funding schools as they have in the past. This trend is only made worse as many high school graduates never complete a FAFSA or CADAA with the California Student Aid Commission reporting that the classes of 2017 and 2018 only averaged a 54% completion rate for both applications.
“Receiving assistance can make the difference between whether or not a student attends college so we must ensure that students are given every opportunity to properly prepare,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “If our students are really going to be prepared for college then they must receive instruction on how to complete these essential forms. The evidence demonstrates that completion of FAFSA leads to a substantial increase in college attendance.”
AB 2015 next goes to the State Senate to be heard in policy committee. For more information on the bill or to follow it, click here.
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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