California community college student Joe Villa has been working towards his GED and college degree, hoping to access federal financial aid to help him along the way. However, Villa, like many other Californians without a high school diploma or equivalent, has never received any financial aid despite changes to the program in 2016.
After it was revealed that California community colleges had largely failed to implement the program that would make it easier for students like Villa to access aid, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office decided to make changes. Newsom emphasized the importance of helping all students access higher education opportunities, regardless of their educational background.
While colleges have been able to offer financial aid to students like Villa since 2016, the process has been cumbersome. With the new and more accessible financial aid system set to be in place by next fall, students like Villa will have to wait at least another year to access federal grants.
Villa expressed frustration with the delays, questioning why the state is taking so long to implement the changes that could greatly benefit him and others in similar situations. Despite the setbacks, Villa remains hopeful that he will eventually receive the financial assistance he desperately needs to continue his education journey.
Source
Photo credit calmatters.org
