IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Brief: Bills Would Improve Education Access in California

The two bills aim to improve K-12 students' STEM performance and reverse cuts to the state's Cal Grant financial aid program.

(Tribune News Service) -- Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, has introduced two bills aimed at improving access to educational programs for K-12 and college students.

Assembly Bill 706 would establish a California STEM AmeriCorps, or CalSTEM program, designed to improve the academic performance of K-12 students in science, technology, engineering and math. It would be administered by the California Volunteers state office, with private funding.

Bonilla also introduced AB 831, known as the "College Opportunity Act," to reverse proposed cuts to the state's Cal Grant financial aid program for students attending private, nonprofit institutions. The bill would link award amounts for students at those schools to the cost of educating students at four-year public colleges and universities.

©2015 the Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC