SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly approved a bill to lift barriers that prevent foster youth from applying for state financial aid programs for higher education this week. AB 1532, authored by Assembly Member Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) directs the California Student Aid Commission to accept applications year round and consider them on a monthly basis. Currently all students have strict deadlines to complete their application. In addition, the measure includes former foster youth and extends age restrictions for specific state grants, from 24 years to 30 years of age. Studies have reported that former foster youth are less aware of deadlines for post-secondary education programs. Experts note these youth suffer from multiple displacements that disrupt their education, and on average miss from 4 to 6 months of school as a result.

“The state of California is the legal parent for foster care youth,” said Assemblymember Bass. “We are obligated to correct policy that blocks these young people from higher education and a chance for a productive life.”