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September 28, 2006
DH 06 RH78
Contact: Russ Hudson,
Media Relations Coordinator
(310) 243-2455/2001
Pending Assembly Bill 2813 First Step in Broad Strategy to Invest in
Student Financial Aid Programs
From the California State University Office of the Chancellor
Carson, CA-Members of the California State Student Association and the California State University joined Assemblyman
Hector De La Torre (D – Southgate) today on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills to urge the governor to
sign AB 2813 (De La Torre). The bill would raises the age limit for Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement awards from
24 to 27 years to better reflect the average age of students seeking a college degree in the state.
“Each Cal Grant recipient is an important investment in our state's future. Community College students have
a difficult time paying for school, a situation that is exacerbated by the many obligations of older college
students,” stated De La Torre. “I am pleased that the age limitation will be eased under this bill and I commit
to continue to work with students to expand Cal Grant eligibility in the future.”
AB 2813 is the first step in a more comprehensive effort to increase financial aid for all eligible California
students including doubling the number of competitive grants as demand has grown and providing Cal Grant B high
school entitlement award recipients with tuition to cover the initial year of their award.
The average age of students seeking a college degree in California is 27. However the Cal Grant Entitlement program’s
age cap to receive this grant is 24. The signing of Assembly Bill 2813 age cap would increase the age cap from 24
to 27 providing aid to eligible students who are currently restricted from the grant because of their age.
Students attending CSU Dominguez Hills would particularly benefit from this legislation since the average age is
27.8 years old and over 45% of the student population were transfers students in the Fall of 2005.
“Our average student is older, works at least part-time and many transfer from two-year community colleges,” said
Charles B. Reed, chancellor of the California State University system. “More than half of our students receive
some type of financial aid, and the passage of AB 2813 lays the foundation to help the most financially needy
students realize their dream of getting a college education.”
The cost of higher education and access to college has become less affordable for many students due to student
fee increases, textbook cost, and the $12.5 billion cut from federal student loan programs last year. Now is an
important time to make an investment in California’s financial aid program and ensure that it is fair and equitable.
“All students should have the opportunity to attend college regardless of their financial status,” said
Nadir Vissanjy, chair of the California State Student Association’s board of directors “Too few of California’s
students are getting the financial aid they need to attend college.”
AB 2813 has received bipartisan votes throughout the legislative process, and is supported by educational leaders,
faculty, students, and other groups have registered their support. Governor Schwarzenegger has until September 30,
to sign, veto, or take no action on the bill. If no action is taken on the bill, it will become law without his
signature.
About the CSSA
It is the mission of the California State Student Association (CSSA) to maintain and enhance accessibility to
quality education for the people of California at the California State University- the People’s University. As
the single recognized voice for the 400,000-plus students of the CSU system, CSSA is the acknowledged statewide
student organization representing, serving, and protecting the collective interests of students in the CSU system.
Organizational Contacts:
Laura Kerr Claudia Keith
California State Student Association CSU, Office of the Chancellor
Cell: (916) 996-1448 Cell: (562) 355-4479
Email: lkerr@csustudents.org Email: ckeith@calstate.edu
Russ L. Hudson
CSU Dominguez Hills
Office: (310) 243-2455
Email: rhudson@csudh.edu
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