SACRAMENTO 鈥� This weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 3158 into law, marking a major victory for students in the West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD). The groundbreaking legislation, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), grants WVMCCD the ability to waive tuition fees for all residents living within its service area, expanding access to higher education and removing financial barriers for thousands.
Assemblymember Marc Berman, author of AB 3158, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local students: 鈥淭he passage of AB 3158 is a huge win for all students of the West Valley-Mission Community College District and I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his signature to guarantee free tuition for thousands of local students,鈥� said Assemblymember Marc Berman. 鈥淭wo-thirds of California鈥檚 community college students struggle with basic needs insecurities such as food and housing, a reality mirrored in West Valley-Mission Community College District鈥檚 student population. This new law will ensure students don鈥檛 have to choose between taking the extra class they need to graduate or working an extra shift so they can afford groceries or pay rent. I applaud the leadership at West Valley-Mission Community College District for doing everything they can to support their students as they achieve their higher education dreams.鈥�
AB 3158 addresses the Bay Area's high cost of living by eliminating state-mandated tuition fees. WVMCCD, funded by local property taxes, has balanced its budget without collecting student fees, thanks to its College Promise Scholarship. Chancellor Bradley Davis shared that while thousands of students have enrolled in the scholarship in the last year, many others were unable to qualify due to the complexity of forms and state-mandated requirements鈥攅specially non-traditional students and those with language barriers. This bill will dramatically simplify the process.
鈥淲ith AB 3158, every student in our service area鈥攚hether full-time, part-time, or returning to school鈥攚ill have access to free, high-quality education without the financial or procedural obstacles that have held many back. This law cuts out complicated forms and delays, making it as easy as enrolling and attending. It's a significant step forward in our mission to remove barriers for our students,鈥� said Chancellor Davis.
Trustee Adrienne Grey emphasized the importance of expanding access to a diverse range of students: 鈥淐ommunity colleges serve students from all walks of life, many of whom don鈥檛 fit into the traditional college mold. This bill opens doors for people retooling their careers, balancing family responsibilities, or lacking the support to navigate complex financial aid forms. It鈥檚 a vital step toward ensuring equity in education and making sure no one is left behind.鈥�
Trustee Robert Owens highlighted the district's fiscal responsibility in enacting the bill: 鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about waiving fees鈥攊t鈥檚 about smart governance. AB 3158 allows us to use our local resources more effectively, without increasing the District鈥檚 budget or asking for more state funding. It鈥檚 a win-win for students and taxpayers alike.鈥�
Former 秘色传媒 Student Trustee Melanie Ho shared her perspective as a student, acknowledging the personal impact of the law: 鈥淏ecause of the soaring costs of living in the Bay Area, many students are trapped in a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.鈥� By increasing access, Ho notes that this bill will 鈥渆ase financial strain and foster a more equitable learning environment.鈥�
Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, WVMCCD has seen a resurgence in overall enrollment. With new bachelor鈥檚 degrees and workforce development programs on the horizon, the district is set to broaden its impact with more comprehensive educational pathways.
鈥淭his bill comes during a renaissance of opportunity for our district, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and educational enrichment. It is a testament to our belief that unrestricted access to education is a fundamental right, pivotal in unlocking the full potential within our community,鈥� shared Chancellor Davis.
AB 3158 received broad bipartisan support, with State Senators Josh Becker and Dave Cortese serving as principal co-authors, and Assemblymembers Evan Low and Gail Pellerin signing on as co-authors. Their leadership, along with Assemblymember Berman鈥檚 championing of the bill, reflects the wide recognition of the value of free community college access.
The signing of AB 3158 marks a significant milestone in the district鈥檚 ongoing mission to remove financial barriers and create new educational opportunities for all. As the district continues to broaden its academic programs and workforce development initiatives, this law positions it to better serve students and the broader community in the years to come, ensuring that no student is held back from achieving their full potential.
Student testimonials and remarks from Assemblymember Berman and Chancellor Davis will be provided at the 鈥淎B 3158: Beyond the Promise鈥擣ree College for Every Student鈥� press conference on Monday, September 30th, from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at the Student Services Courtyard of 秘色传媒. For press inquiries, please contact Cade Story-Yetto, Chief of Staff, at [email protected]
