First published in the Jan. 21 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
Glendale Community College is applauding U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff’s announcement that a $13.5 million federal funding package for local community projects will include $1.25 million for support services for low-income and unhoused GCC students.
Schiff released a list of 11 projects totaling $10 million that directly address homelessness, housing and food insecurity in his district on Tuesday. The funds were included in the fiscal year 2023 federal government funding legislation, which President Joe Biden signed into law on Dec. 29.
More than half of GCC students face food insecurity and nearly one in seven experience homelessness, making it difficult to complete their educational goals.
In 2021, Glendale City Council approved a $1.3 million grant to provide rental assistance to at-risk GCC students who live within Glendale city limits. Those funds are administered through the Glendale College Foundation’s Low Income Student Rental Assistance Program. The federal funds secured by Schiff will support GCC students who live outside Glendale.
“Young people are working so hard to be able to pursue the dream of higher education — yet far too often, challenges like homelessness and housing insecurity force them to make impossible choices between staying in school and keeping a roof over their heads,” Schiff said in a statement.
“Glendale College Foundation’s Low Income Student Rental Assistance Program will help ease that tremendous burden, while connecting students with other critical resources so they can fully focus on their studies and their futures,” Schiff added.
The federal funds announced last week will also provide housing assistance, employment assistance and other supportive services to low-income and unhoused students attending GCC. The additional support enhances 12 assistance programs already operated by the college’s Center for Assistance, Resources, and Educational Success (CARES). Established in 2020, GCC CARES strives to close the educational achievement gap by providing at-risk students with basic needs assistance and connecting them with on and off-campus resources.
“Community college students often face significant obstacles like food and housing insecurity,” said GCC Superintendent and President Ryan Cornner in a statement. “That’s why we continue to build an ethic of care at GCC to address the basic needs of our most vulnerable students.
“We also recognize that the college can only do so much. By closing a substantial gap in service, Congressman Schiff will increase student success.”
Ann Ransford, president GCC Board of Trustees, added in a statement: “On behalf of the GCC Board of Trustees, we applaud Congressman Schiff for recognizing our GCC students. He is rewarding their hard work by ensuring their most basic needs are met. This allows our students to focus on their educational goals, which will ultimately enhance their lives.”
The funds will not be available until later this year, at which time they’ll be administered through GCC CARES and the Glendale College Foundation, a nonprofit charity consisting of GCC alumni, business leaders and members of the community who raise funds for college programs and facilities.
“The Glendale College Foundation is made up of community members who understand the importance and vitality of partnerships,” said Lisa Brooks, executive director of the foundation, in a statement. “We applaud Congressman Schiff’s innovative solution, which combines the financial strength of the federal government with the dedication of our greater college community. But the real winners for this new lifeline are our most at-risk students.”
To become eligible to receive the funds, students are required to participate in the GCC CARES’ Fresh Success Employment and Training Program. GCC is working with the federal government to ensure the funds are available in time for the fall semester.
