Education Equity

Focused on creating an educational system – from cradle to career – that addresses historic inequities in our TK-12 and higher education systems; promotes student and teacher success; and advances the promise of educational opportunity and affordability for all.

Free My Future: Student Loan Debt Center

Education Leads

Samantha Seng

Legislative Director & Policy Advisorsamantha.seng@nextgenpolicy.org

Education Leads

McKenna Mustazza

Policy & Executive Associatemckenna.jenkins@nextgenpolicy.org

Making college more affordable and accessible for all Californians!

NextGen has a proven track record of working to address the high cost of higher education and helping to ensure all eligible students have access to financial aid. Our policy efforts focus on low-income,first generation students, and students of color to reshape the narrative of who is the “traditional student.”

$35 million

Secured in the 2025 State Budget for state financial aid for vulnerable student populations at California Community Colleges in light of rapid federal policy changes to the Department of Education

130,000+

More California students will be able to access Cal Grant, the state’s financial aid program once updated

9%

Increase in FAFSA/CADAA federal and state financial aid application completions compared to last year—as of the 2025–26 priority deadline

Thousands

Of California student loan borrowers we’ve supported annually through student debt coalition workshops and resources

Current work in the Education Space

Financial Aid for All!

There’s still time for free money to pay for college! If you are planning to attend a California Community College, apply for financial aid by September 2nd!

Apply for Financial Aid!

Expand State Financial Aid for All

We’re working to expand the Cal Grant program to more students so everyone has a chance to access higher education and reach their full potential. Check out the Cal Grant Reform Coalition website and how you can join the movement!!

Reform the State Financial Aid System

Addressing Institutional Debt

There’s another little known education related debt that students can face when attending college, called institutional debt! Learn more about what institutional debt is and our efforts as a co-leader of the Campaign for California Borrowers’ Rights Coalition to ensure students are protected from creditor colleges.

Protect Students from Debt

Education In the News

AB 850 Press Release – Assemblymember Pacheco

Compton College Policy Brief

In this report we highlight the impacts of prioritizing students’ basic needs so they can access resources that lead to success in all aspects of a college. ...