Spring is free again at Berkeley City College
The two-year-old initiative to help more students at Peralta Colleges access higher education is showing results.
Berkeley City College and the three other Peralta Colleges (Laney, Merritt, and Alameda) announced this week that the upcoming spring semester will be free once again for new and returning students. Undocumented students who qualify for the California nonresident tuition exemption, commonly known as AB 540, are also eligible for the benefit. International students are not exempt from paying tuition.
The initiative at these East Bay community colleges marks the fourth consecutive semester in which students are exempt from paying for tuition, books, parking, AC Transit bus passes, and lunch. A state COVID-recovery grant for California community colleges funded last semester. An emergency grant from the U.S. Department of Education supported last year’s program.
Access to free tuition and other resources has increased access to higher education, said the statement from Peralta Community College District. Since the program launched two years ago, there has been a 38% increase in Latinx enrollment, a nearly 35% boost in African American enrollment, and an 11.5% increase in Asian/Pacific Islander students attending the community colleges.
To qualify, eligible students must enroll and complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application (for undocumented students). Those not qualifying for federal financial aid can still take advantage of the free tuition program.
The news has been met with enthusiasm from students and faculty alike. Professor Sarah Johnson expressed her support for the initiative, saying, It’s incredible to see the impact this program has had on our student body. The increased enrollment numbers and the access to resources have truly transformed the lives of our students.
The program has not only made education more accessible but has also fostered a sense of community and inclusivity among the students. Freshman student Maria Hernandez shared her experience, saying, Being able to attend college without the financial burden has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I feel supported and encouraged by my peers and professors.
The initiative aligns with the broader efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all students. By removing barriers such as tuition fees, the colleges hope to attract a diverse range of students and provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
As the free tuition program continues to evolve, it is expected to create even greater opportunities for students from various backgrounds and pave the way for a more inclusive educational system.
With this announcement, Berkeley City College and the Peralta Colleges reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every student has an equal chance to pursue higher education and achieve their goals. It is a step forward in building a more equitable society, one student at a time.
The upcoming spring semester presents a renewed opportunity for students to embrace their academic journeys without the burden of tuition fees. As the Peralta Community College District leads the way in providing free education, the dreams of countless students are becoming within reach.
