The Future of SF’s College Board & Free City
By: Anna Chan
SF’s City College Board is made up of 7 elected representatives, as well as 1 student representative, that controls City College of San Francisco (CCSF). This body is crucial for decisions at CCSF, making decisions that impact students at a time when the college is struggling with instability and keeping essential programs open. Among this is the controversial Free City program, which offers free tuition to SF residents and is a lifeline for many students. The program is the first and most inclusive in the country, providing accessible and affordable associate, technical, certification, and language degrees, among other options. We’ll be counting on recent electees Heather McCarty, Aliya Chisti, Alan Wong, and Luis Zamora, along with the rest of the current board, to protect this program for our students. Progressives strongly backed Alan Wong as a sole endorsement, receiving support from the Pissed Off Voters Guide, American Federation of Teachers Local 2121 - City College Faculty and Evolve California, among many others! He gives the institution hope, with policies that keep students in mind and at the center. Along with other initiatives, he states he’ll fight against program cuts and faculty lay-offs, which are issues dear to students' hearts and the source of much student advocacy work. Pushing against many other leaders in the college who want to make cuts as a solution to solving the college’s budget issues, Wong is a much needed voice for the students. As the Co-Chair of the Free City College Oversight Committee, I have faith in Wong’s ability to steer the college in the right direction.
As a low-income, first generation student, the Free City program was a lifeline to me and allowed me to thrive during my time at CCSF, without having to worry about how I was going to pay for my basic needs while receiving my education. Because I was able to focus on my studies without going into debt, I was very successful and was eventually able to transfer to UC Berkeley after earning my associate’s degree in 2 years. Many of my peers had similar stories and would’ve been unable to attend college without the Free City program. During my time in community college, I was inspired by the variety of students attending my classes with me - at all stages of life and different circumstances bringing them to the institution - renewing my faith in the education system.
The Free City program is an essential resource for the residents, allowing many marginalized communities and nontraditional students an opportunity and pathway to higher education. Community colleges are supposed to promote equity and social mobility in the city, which ultimately is best for the well-being of SF residents. With the program constantly under scrutiny and the college facing budget cuts, CCSF needs strong leaders on the college board who will fight for students' needs, rather than using the position as a stepping stone to other political offices. Strengthen public education by making it more accessible, rather than cutting it down for profit - invest in CCSF!