Bill Seeking Tuition-Free College For San Mateo Co. Students Advances

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A bill that would allow the San Mateo County Community College District to make college free for local students in need passed the state Senate on Wednesday.

The bill, authored by state Sen. Josh Becker (D-Peninsula), passed 33-0 and will head to the state Assembly.

Under Senate Bill 893, the district — which includes three community colleges in San Mateo County — would expand its Promise Scholars Program, which currently can help 2,000 of the 6,000 students who qualify for the program.

The bill, co-sponsored by Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Kevin Mulin (D-South San Francisco) and Assmeblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), gives SMCCCD the authority to set tuition costs at less than the $46 per unit that is required by the state. It also would allow the district to use local revenue to cover enrollment fees.

Related: Tuition-Free College Proposed For San Mateo Co. Students In Bill

“The total cost for attending community college can amount to over $15,000, when you consider enrollment fees, books, school supplies, transportation, housing, food and other expenses that can seem insurmountable to students in need,” Becker said. “Senate Bill 893 empowers San Mateo County community colleges to increase access to higher education for local students demonstrating financial need, as well as those from under-represented or marginalized communities.”

San Mateo County Community College District Chancellor Michael Claire applauded the bill moving forward in the state legislature.

“This bill will allow SMCCCD to leverage local resources to help full-time and part-time local students access a higher education by removing financial barriers such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, food and transportation,” Claire said.

The bill would establish a five-year pilot program for the district, taking effect in 2023.