Action Alert: Save Our Cal Grants

The California state budget for 2012-2013, released on January 5, includes significant reductions and changes to the Cal Grant Program. Gov. Jerry Brown proposes cutting the maximum Cal Grant award for students attending independent, nonprofit colleges and universities from its current $9,708 to $5,472 - a 44% reduction.

We need your help during this process to try and reverse this proposed Cal Grant funding cut for our students.

Take Action Now!

STEP 1  Sign the online Students First Alliance: Save Our Cal Grants Petition.

STEP 2  Go to LMU's advocacy site to quickly send an email to the governor and your legislators.

STEP 3  "Like" the Students First Alliance Facebook page. This will help raise awareness of the issue. If you are a current or past Cal Grant recipient, post stories on the wall or upload a video about what Cal Grants mean to you.

At Loyola Marymount University, more than 825 students depend on Cal Grants to help finance their education. Across the state, this proposed cut will impact more than 26,000 students at independent, nonprofit colleges. The cut will apply to both incoming and returning Cal Grant students starting in the Fall 2012.

The proposal has begun to go through a number of legislative budget committee hearings. The budget will be re-evaluated in mid-May and the required budget approval deadline is June 15.

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is coordinating an advocacy campaign, Students First Alliance, to prevent the Cal Grant cuts. LMU is in full support of AICCU's efforts.

These are challenging fiscal times, but continuing to invest in the education of young people is the best investment that the State of California can make. This proposed change puts financially deserving, academically qualified students at risk of not being able to earn a college degree. Legislators and the governor need to hear from those most affected by this proposal - students, their families and the campus community.

Thank you for supporting Cal Grants for LMU and all AICCU students. 

Updates will be posted as they become available. Read some of LMU's Cal Grant success stories here and visit the Students First Alliance website for additional information.