Senator Dave Cortese’s Bill Giving Financial Assistance To College-Bound Students Experiencing Homelessness Passes the California Senate

SACRAMENTO -  Senator Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) bill that establishes a pilot program at CSU campuses to provide financial assistance to students experiencing homelessness (SB 685) today passed the Senate and now heads to the Assembly.

Last school year, over 246,000 students in California experienced homelessness. Statewide, almost 90,000 high school students were identified as homeless in the 2023–24 school year, including more than 24,000 high school seniors, and right now, too many young people who faced homelessness in high school struggle to access higher education.

“Even with financial aid, the cost of tuition, books, housing, and basic living expenses can be a major barrier. SB 685 will cover the full cost of attendance for these young people — such as housing, transportation, and basic living expenses — at San José State University and two other CSU campuses so that students can focus on their education and earning their degree,” said Senator Cortese.

“Without financial stability, even those who get into college often don’t make it. That’s why I’m also fighting for direct financial support to help students, giving them the resources they need to stay on track.”

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