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Financial aid at Community Colleges is essential to provide more and better opportunities for young students regardless of immigration status, and September 3 is the deadline to apply for financial aid that allows undocumented students and documented students without residency who meet certain eligibility requirements to apply for financial aid.

California Community Colleges serve more than 1.9 million students, making it the largest higher education system in the nation. 

More than 70 percent of these students come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with 48 percent identifying as Hispanic and 65 percent classified as Economically Disadvantaged. 

Despite the availability of financial aid through the California Dream Act or the FAFSA, the number of undocumented students applying for these aid programs remains low, experts reported during a briefing held by Ethnic Media Services.

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented and documented students without residency who meet certain eligibility requirements to apply for state financial aid.

On the other hand, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows eligible students to apply for both federal and state financial aid and either the FAFSA or the CADAA Application must be completed but not both.

To be eligible for the FAFSA, students must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens.

Dr. Daisy Gonzales, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, explained that the mission for the state is to make education financially accessible to all Californians, “that is the urgency, because September financial aid is the most important ingredient for student success.”

September 3 is the deadline for California community college students, providing a lifeline, a gateway to education, and a driving force for California to continue as a leader in higher education.

It's worth noting that Californians can attend one of 116 community colleges by applying for financial aid, Daisy Gonzales said.

“I want them to know that their dreams are not only worthy, but possible. I want them to know that the California Student Aid Commission understands that the most vulnerable students, undocumented students, many of whom attend and will attend a community college,” she stressed.

It is estimated that more than 12 percent of all students in California public schools come from a family in which one or more parents do not have a Social Security number, so this becomes a life-changing help.

“It can be the difference between a student pursuing their dreams or making them a reality, it certainly was for me. Therefore, it is critical that we reach out to all students, especially those from underprivileged communities who may not know that there are still resources available and make sure they do not miss out on this life-changing opportunity,” concluded the graduate in Public Policy.

Ivan Hernandez, president of the Student Senate of California Community College, commented that the financial situation has been a very important factor in his education because without financial support he would not be able to be in an educational system and his opportunities would be limited. 

“It has been extremely frustrating and challenging for people from mixed-status families, like myself, to pursue a real higher education, as I am the type of person who typically receives their FAFSA application within about a week or two after the application process opens,” she said.

Hernandez commented that it only took 2 hours to complete the process, it is actually simpler than you think, so support and guidance are provided for those who have doubts and see that access to resources is real. 

“I finished my internship with Microsoft and it’s even empowering to see myself as someone whose English is a second language, who recently moved to the U.S. and who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree. So, that’s the message…it’s never too late,” Hernandez added. 

Nancy Jodaitis, Director of Higher Education at Immigrants Rising He explained that it is necessary for all students to have the information and submit their application, even those who have been such an integral part of the community and the state, as well as in the economy and education.

“As a proud product of community colleges myself, I know how invaluable it has been to help students, not just high school students, but students of all ages return to school and receive the support that will allow them to prepare for the future,” she said.

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Californians will soon be able to carry their identification (driver's license and state ID) on their phones through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

The announcement was made by the governor Gavin Newsom, who detailed that these new features offer multiple ways to add and submit California driver's licenses and ID cards using iPhone, Apple Watch and Android devices. 

These options are part of the California Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) broader mobile driver license (mDL) pilot program, which launched last year.

“We are partnering with two iconic California companies, Apple and Google, to offer convenient, private and secure driver’s licenses and ID cards right on people’s phones. This is a big step in our efforts to better serve all Californians by reaching people where they are and with the technology people use every day,” Newsom said.

Californians will be able to use these new options to present their driver’s license or ID card in Google Wallet or Apple Wallet at select merchants and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at airports and in select apps. 

To date, more than 500,000 Californians have added a multilingual driver's license to their phone using the California DMV Wallet app. The multilingual license pilot program is limited to 1.5 million participants. 

“We continue to expand the availability and acceptance of digital licenses and ID cards while ensuring the highest level of privacy and security,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon.

Offering a California ID in an Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or mDL in the California DMV Wallet app, does not replace the requirement that people carry a physical card. However, it does make it easier for Californians to validate their age and identity at participating merchants and airports.

The DMV said it continues to work with stakeholders to foster broad acceptance of the mDL, including financial institutions, retailers, law enforcement and government agencies, and will host two hackathons in the fall for innovators interested in adding this secure digital identity to their customer experience.

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The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced that San Mateo County will receive $13.89 million to provide permanent supportive housing (PSH) to homeless individuals.

The Homekey grant will help convert a hotel in South San Francisco into 45 studio apartments along with an on-site manager unit. The project at 721 Airport Blvd. is key to the county’s strategy of moving vulnerable people into permanent housing to address the homeless crisis.

“To solve the homeless problem, we need to create more housing throughout San Mateo County,” said County Supervisor Dave Pine, in whose district the property is located. 

South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman also praised the partnerships and the state for their role in expanding housing in the county.

“This grant addresses the homeless crisis head on, will enable people to access much-needed housing, and also paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for our community,” Coleman said.

The Homekey grant will be combined with $6.75 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to renovate the four-story hotel. The complex will feature 45 studios for residents, which will be updated to include new kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, range hoods, counter space and cabinets. 

The renovations will also include the expansion of common spaces, which will be available for residents to use.

Initial plans include an estimated seven units that will meet ADA standards for tenants with physical challenges and five units that will support those with visual and hearing challenges, ensuring safe housing that meets accessibility needs.

The county said in a statement that tenants will be referred through the San Mateo County Coordinated Entry System from interim supportive housing. Tenants will pay rent based on 30 percent of their actual household income. 

To supplement affordable rents, the county will support tenants with an annual operating subsidy in the form of housing vouchers funded by Measure K, a half-cent local sales tax.

The Homekey program is providing an initial infusion of $1.8 million to help pay for operations for two years, after which housing vouchers funded by Measure K sales tax revenue will provide approximately $1.1 million annually for 15 years.

Of note, Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) will operate the property and provide on-site supportive services. ECS provides essential services to people experiencing homelessness, including the operation of more than 2,000 PSH units, across three Bay Area counties: San Francisco, Marin, and Alameda. 721 Airport Blvd. marks ECS’ expansion into San Mateo County.

The building will be staffed by two full-time case managers, one full-time support services manager, one behavioral health clinician, and one resident property manager who will provide 24/7 staffing. 

Each resident will be assigned a case manager and have access to on-site support services and connections to other community resources, which will help strengthen residents' stability and well-being; these will include education, employment, benefits assistance, behavioral health, links to primary care and peer-connection activities, the county said.

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