Why Can’t Low-Income Students Access Institutions Meant To Serve Them?

Jonathan Cornejo from Central Los Angeles overcame a myriad of structural barriers to achieve a 4.0 in high school while serving as student body president and yearbook editor — and earned an admission offer from his dream school, UC San Diego. Unfortunately, like many other students in California, he has to turn that offer down because he cannot afford the tuition. The percentage Pell grant eligible students attending UCs has decreased by almost ten percent in the past ten years, and not for lack of admissions. With rising cost of living and increasing tuition, un-adjusted federal aid just isn’t cutting it. Countless low-income students admitted to UCs are choosing to attend community colleges instead.

No one should be denied the education they have worked for because of financial constraints. As a public institution, the UCs must be accessible to low-income families. Community colleges are extremely important and a great option for many students, but no one should be backed into a choice because they cannot afford the school of their dreams. The truth is, the answer is simple. We need to fully-fund public education in California, so students like Jonathan get the education they deserve. What’s a good way to do that? By reforming Prop. 13 and restoring $12bn to our schools and communities annually!

Francine Orr for the LA Times

A 4.0 student beat all the odds. But he can’t afford a UC campus.

By Teresa Watanbe, The Los Angeles Times | 4/25/2023