California Black Media
State Controller Malia Cohen “Cautiously Optimistic” After Gov. Newsom Signs 2024-25 Budget
California State Controller Malia Cohen said she is “cautiously optimistic” after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the 2-24-25 state budget on June 29. Cohen, who serves as the state’s chief fiscal officer, said the agreement Newsom signed balances the budget, closing a $45 billion shortfall. Cohen said although the budget will continue to support critical programs and services most Californians rely on, “its impact on economically disadvantaged communities is yet to be determined.”
Bo Tefu, California Black Media
California State Controller Malia Cohen said she is “cautiously optimistic” after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the 2-24-25 state budget on June 29.
Cohen, who serves as the state’s chief fiscal officer, said the agreement Newsom signed balances the budget, closing a $45 billion shortfall.
Cohen said although the budget will continue to support critical programs and services most Californians rely on, “its impact on economically disadvantaged communities is yet to be determined.”
“I commend Governor Newsom and the Legislature for including tools in this budget that would further protect the fiscal integrity of the budget in future years,” Cohen continued. “I look forward to providing California taxpayers and the Governor and the Legislature critical audit services to ensure that the money appropriated is used for its intended purpose.”
According to the Governor’s office, the budget will also maintain $22.2 billion in reserves at the end of the fiscal year. Newsom called the agreement “responsible.”
“Thanks to careful stewardship of the budget over the past few years, we’re able to meet this moment while protecting our progress on housing, homelessness, education, health care and other priorities that matter deeply to Californians,” Newsom wrote in a statement. “I thank the Legislature for their partnership in delivering this sound and balanced plan.”
California Black Media
Report: Number of Black Students in Dual Enrollment Programs Decline
Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis. California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis.
California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges. California made an annual investment of $200 million for high school students. The state also allocated $10 million for the STEM Pathways Grant program that supports creating 6-year programs for students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics within 2 years of graduating high school.
Despite California’s investment over the years, the study revealed that the number of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in community college courses has declined since 2020. The enrollment gap between Asian-Pacific Islander students, who have the highest participation rate, and Black students doubled from 7 % in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022.
“For students whose life circumstances, such as economic hardship, may inhibit educational pursuits, opportunities to enroll in community college while in high school may be less accessible,” researchers stated.
Participation rates in dual enrollment programs are lower among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, youth in foster care, and students with disabilities compared to their counterparts. The research study attributed the steady decline in enrollment rates to the COVID-19 pandemic.
California Black Media
California Community Colleges Launch Season 2 of “EDUCATE. ELEVATE” for Black Student Success
The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege.com campaign has launched the second season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series, which focuses on promoting Black student enrollment and retention. Season 1 had over 60,000 listeners, and the new season aims to build on this success by featuring inspiring student stories and expert advice.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege.com campaign has launched the second season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series, which focuses on promoting Black student enrollment and retention. Season 1 had over 60,000 listeners, and the new season aims to build on this success by featuring inspiring student stories and expert advice.
The first episode of the new season brings together former foster youth Kevion Louis-Hernandez, Mt. San Antonio College alum; and Junely Merwin, a NextUp Project Expert, with host Danny Morrison. The conversation explores the challenges foster youth face and highlights the transformative impact of community college programs like NextUp, which help students overcome obstacles to reach their higher education and career goals.
“This season continues our commitment to addressing barriers faced by Black students and increasing equitable access to higher education,” said Paige Marlatt Dorr, Director of Communications and Marketing for California Community Colleges.
EDUCATE. ELEVATE. is part of a broader initiative to reverse the significant enrollment declines experienced by Black students during the pandemic. Black student enrollment dropped by 25% system-wide between 2019 and 2022, but outreach efforts and support services have helped increase enrollment by nearly 15% over the last two years, bringing the total to almost 114,000 Black students in the 2023-24 academic year.
The podcast series features candid discussions on overcoming systemic barriers, educational resources, and strategies for student success. Season 2 offers a new visual style and will release episodes every two to three weeks through May 2025.
To listen to the podcast and learn more, visit the Black Student Success page at ICanGoToCollege.com
California Black Media
California Launches New Homepage @ CA.gov
On Oct .4, the Governor’s office announced that the state has launched a new revamped digital portal at CA.gov where Californians have access to “hundreds of state services and programs.” “This overhaul is the latest milestone in the state’s ongoing digital strategy to improve user experience, accessibility, and service delivery for millions of Californians,” read a press release.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
On Oct .4, the Governor’s office announced that the state has launched a new revamped digital portal at CA.gov where Californians have access to “hundreds of state services and programs.”
“This overhaul is the latest milestone in the state’s ongoing digital strategy to improve user experience, accessibility, and service delivery for millions of Californians,” read a press release.
“A big part of the work we’re doing to build a “California for All” is rooted in how accessible our government is to the people. As part of our ongoing work to connect people to their government, today we’re introducing a new CA.gov — California’s ‘homepage’ that serves as a portal to state services and programs,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
State Chief Information Officer and California Technology Department Director Liana Bailey-Crimmin said, “We will continue to ensure timely and accurate government information is just a click away. Whether you’re looking for assistance with essential services or want to learn about what the Golden State is doing for climate action, new business development, or California government – this site has it.”
“Using advanced technology, the site has a greatly improved search feature, works well on mobile devices and meets modern web standards. The previous version of CA.gov was launched in 2017, and as user needs and technology evolved, the state implemented the work to revamp it,” Bailey-Crimmin added.
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