For Immediate Release: October 11, 2023
Contact: Tyler Bushnell, tyler.bushnell@nextgenpolicy.org 

Statement from NextGen California’s Executive Director, Arnold Sowell Jr.:

“Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed AB 789 (Berman) into law – a bill that will help thousands of eligible California college students maintain access to their financial aid and provide them added financial security,” said Arnold Sowell Jr., Executive Director for NextGen California. “The Governor’s decision to sign AB 789 reflects his commitment to California’s higher education students, particularly those students who have lost their financial aid due to minimal academic reasons and unforeseen personal hardships. AB 789 requires all public colleges and universities in California to adopt the federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, which will make it easier for qualified students to maintain access to federal financial aid, continue their academic pursuits, and avoid financial struggles that could lead to housing and food insecurity. 

The NextGen team thanks Governor Newsom and the State Legislature for supporting California students and paving a more equitable pathway for these students to complete their degrees.  We’re pleased to see California take this important and necessary step to narrow graduation gaps among low-income students and students of color.”

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The mission of NextGen California is to fight for progressive policy change to address environmental, social, racial, gender, and economic inequities in California through justice-centered legislative advocacy, grassroots partnerships, and democratic civic engagement.