The Level Up program matches low-income California freshmen with slightly older mentors at 29 colleges. The advice and friendship help keep students in school, organizers say.
While overall scores rose, only 48 percent of California students did well enough on the SAT to be considered fully college ready. Ethnic disparities remain as well.
Following a demand from the state Legislature, the Cal State system will give applicants from the region surrounding a campus an admissions advantage over those from far away.
A recent court ruling gives undocumented California students a window to renew their DACA applications, officials said. Meanwhile, they urge the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress to protect the 700,000 or so undocumented young people nationwide who previously had protection against deportation.
A move from noncredit remedial courses to specially designed credit classes will offer extra tutoring and support to thousands of CSU students. Nearly 40 percent of last fall’s CSU freshmen were found to need remediation in English or math, and 14 percent needed remediation in both subjects.
Early proposals for the first possible tuition increases in six years call for a $270 hike at CSU and $300 at UC. Much awaits Gov. Brown's January budget plan.
Students worry that Trump will revoke protections many have against deportation, but also say they appreciate the financial aid California provides to Dreamers.
