In the state of California, 19% of adults over the age of 25 do not have a high school degree, as reported by the California Office of Health Hazard Assessment’s Educational Attainment report. This leaves a considerable amount of students who are unable to meet the minimum requirements to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA website, under the qualifications, states that applying students must “show (they are) qualified to obtain a college or career school education.” This is typically shown through a high school diploma or an equivalent proof of education, like a GED.
On Oct. 3, California Governor Gavin Newsom passed the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Act which will streamline the ATB process that allows students without a high school diploma, or equivalent proof, to qualify for Title IV federal financial aid. This allows more people to qualify for financial aid to further their education across the state.
The act was originally proposed on June 3, and since its passing earlier this month, LPC has begun to implement and adapt its financial aid systems to allow students access to this program. The program is set to go into effect starting the 2025-26 school year.
Previously there were a few ways that students could qualify for this program. One way was to take and pass an approved ATB test. The other was to start your path to education without aid and prove that you have completed six credit hours, 225 clock hours, or equivalent course work toward a degree or certificate, as listed on the student aid eligibility website.
The original requirements for qualification created barriers for people seeking career education. This new act passing has promised to streamline the process as well as provide additional support for the students in the program. Support will include math and writing workshops, tutoring and counselors.
LPC is currently working on developing its outreach to incoming students, as well as informing current students of the expanding financial aid opportunities. This task will be taken on by the recently hired Financial Aid Outreach Specialist, Anthony Haskett. The goal is to ensure that students are informed of all they can receive in financial aid to help them along their path to career education and better jobs — even without a high school diploma.
However, there is no concrete plan at the moment, as the California Community College Chancellor’s Office is still putting together a team of five to 10 colleges that will act as model developers for ATB implementation. With the launch date not set until next year, there is still time for the colleges to test and implement the best working process that will help current and incoming students.
Reducing the barriers around career education is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Career Education. This is a plan put together with consultations from workers, educators and experts with active experience to develop accessible pathways to living wages and fulfilling careers. This master plan was made to specifically target groups such as the middle class, blue-collar workers and college students.
In an article released by his office, Newsom said, “All families, students, and workers deserve the freedom to succeed: to build real-life skills and pursue careers.”
TOP PHOTO: Ability to Benefit is expected to go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. (Photo courtesy of Envato Elements)
Mel Llamas is a staff writer for The Express. Follow him on X, formally Twitter, @MM_Llamas
