Free College and Beyond: Investing in San Mateo County’s Future – A Virtual Town Hall

Graphic for the Virtual town Hall regarding "Free College & Beyond: Investing in San Mateo County's Future". Graphic features 4 guest speakers.

Dear Friends,

Please join leaders from the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) and me for a virtual town hall as we celebrate the success of my 2022 bill, SB 893, which enabled a Free College pilot program in the county. We will also explore the future of higher education in San Mateo County. 

We’ll discuss the results of the Free College pilot program thus far:

  • Since 2022, there has been a 24% increase in enrollment in the district. This is three times the state average.
  • Over 33,500 unique students have benefited from the Free College program.
  • Free College reflects the diversity and strength of San Mateo County, and 54% of those benefitting from the program are first-generation college students.

I will be joined by Chancellor Melissa Moreno and the presidents of Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College for a roundtable discussion on the results so far and a discussion of what happens next.  

The discussion will also address federal funding cuts and policy shifts that are affecting community colleges, highlighting how local leadership and innovation can help safeguard access and equity. 

I hope you can tune in for this important conversation. Please click here to RSVP.

Sincerely,

Senator Josh Becker
Senate District 13