California's Central Valley certainly has a great deal to be proud of. We produce much of the food and agricultural products that feeds not only California, but the whole country. As a region, we are blessed with fertile soil, beautiful landscapes and a rapidly growing and diverse population.
But we also face some difficult realities. There are areas of the San Joaquin Valley, from Stockton to Bakersfield, with rates of poverty greater than that of Appalachia. And we face significant challenges in improving the educational attainment of our young people, who have among the lowest college-going rates in California.
Preparing the work force for the Valley's future and improving the quality of life for our residents can only be achieved if we improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for our Central Valley youth.
This is the reason so many leaders and organizations in the Central Valley are backing Senate Bill 890, Early Commitment to College, a bill introduced by Sen. Jack Scott and co-written by legislators of both parties, including many from our region.
SB 890 sends this message to California's young people: Study hard and graduate from high school, and California will save you a spot in college and help you pay for it.
In 1960, California leaders adopted the master plan, committing a spot in college for all students who sought the opportunity. SB 890 renews that commitment, and for the first time, makes it directly to students at a young age.
The legislation creates the "Save Me a Spot in College Pledge," to be signed by low-income students and their parents in grades six through nine. The student pledges to take the necessary steps to prepare for college, by taking college preparatory classes, achieving proficiency in English and math and applying to college and financial aid programs. In return, the state guarantees them a spot in community college or university, and will provide financial aid for students who need it. The program also makes clear that career technical education counts as an important way to prepare for college.
In Fresno County, more than two-thirds of middle school students are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches, meaning for a family of four that their income is below $38,000. SB 890 notifies these students and their parents that they will qualify for financial aid, such as two years of the Community College Fee Waiver and the CalGrant for up to four years of tuition at a public or private college, as long as they are California residents and continue to demonstrate financial need when they enroll in college.
Because the state already provides these opportunities, SB 890 is fiscally responsible. School districts will have a powerful new tool to motivate their students to achieve academically, while also improving their coordination with local community colleges, universities and state and federal financial aid programs.
It's an approach that is proving successful at Stockton's Delta College through which the college commits a spot and financial aid to elementary school students in its feeder districts. Last year, 7,000 students and their parents signed up, creating hope and lifting aspirations.
A mutual commitment between our state and our young people and families can be very powerful. It is certainly good for California, but it will be a boon for the San Joaquin Valley. As a concerned citizen, you can join this effort by contacting your local Assembly representative and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to support SB 890.
For those of us close to farming and food in the Valley, we know that we have to plant now so that we can harvest later. If we plant the seed of opportunity with young people in middle school, we will all reap the rewards for generations to come.
