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Assemblywoman Carrillo Creates Greater College Accessibility with Community College Online Application Update

For immediate release:

LOS ANGELES, CA  — Legislation authored by California State Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by the Los Angeles Community College District creating a simpler community college online application (CCCApply) was signed Wednesday by Governor Jerry Brown. Assembly Bill (AB) 3101 revises the CCCApply process, eliminating intrusive and unnecessary questions in order to ensure the application is accessible for all applicants, especially first-generation college students, immigrants and adult students.

The bill incorporates recommendations from a California Community Colleges report that found the application can be lengthy and difficult to complete for prospective students. Data collected in the report shows that between 5 and 11 percent of CCCApply submissions are ultimately abandoned. For English learners, who are often seeking only noncredit courses to improve their English proficiency and job preparedness, abandonment rates are even higher. Community college districts across the state are concerned, especially in the current federal immigration crisis, that residency questions can be intrusive for undocumented noncredit students who greatly benefit from noncredit courses, such as English as a Second Language and Immigrant Education.

In response, AB 3101 requires the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to revise the online application to improve community college access with a user-friendly and student-focused application. With the rise of the gig economy and the growth of automation, improving access to higher education is vital for California’s current and future workforce. AB 3101 furthers our efforts to increase accessibility for all applicants, regardless of their educational background, by simplifying the pivotal first step of applying to community college.

“Tremendous thanks to Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo for this landmark legislation that streamlines the CCCApply process,”  said Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Los Angeles Community College District.  “The Los Angeles Community College District sponsored this legislation and worked very hard to ensure its passage. The District felt strongly that CCCApply needed to be improved so that more students would complete their community college applications.  As a result of the District’s vision, the positive impact of this legislation is far-reaching and will assist tens of thousands of students to access community college for generations to come.”

“As a graduate of East Los Angeles College, I know the incredible value of our community colleges in creating greater pathways to success,” Assemblywoman Carrillo said. “I am proud that AB 3101 builds upon previous statewide efforts to promote access to higher education. My bill streamlines the application process and expands access for all future applicants. I want to thank all the California Community College districts and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office for supporting the bill. I especially would like to thank the Los Angeles Community College District for leading the charge on this widespread issue and for their partnership and dedication this year to ensure the bill’s passage.”

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Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected to the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is a member of the Rules, Appropriations, Public Safety, Health and Water Parks & Wildlife Committees. Carrillo represents the people of East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and the neighborhoods of El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and parts of Silver Lake.

CONTACT: Danni.Wang@asm.ca.gov, (213) 483-5151