The Designation of California Black-Serving Institutions Grant Program.

Assembly Member Gipson's legislation establishes a competitive grant program to enhance academic resources and student support services for underserved students at California's designated Black-Serving Institutions. The program provides base grants of $250,000 to qualifying institutions, with potential supplemental awards up to $500,000 for institutions demonstrating experience serving Black and African American students.

To qualify, institutions must hold the California Black-Serving Institution designation and commit matching funds of 25 cents per grant dollar received. Recipients must direct funding toward specific academic and support services, including learning communities, counseling, career development, tutoring, ethnic studies curriculum, and culturally relevant professional development. The California State University Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Excellence will manage the application process and fund distribution under governing board oversight.

The bill creates a dedicated fund in the State Treasury and appropriates $75 million from the General Fund - allocating $25 million to California State University campuses and $50 million to community college districts. Recipients must submit annual reports detailing grant expenditures, services provided, and student outcomes. The managing entity will compile these reports for the Department of Finance, Governor, and Legislature beginning September 2027.

The legislation requires grant recipients to spend 80% of matching funds directly on student services, allowing 20% for administrative costs. The managing entity may use up to 3% of program funds for administration. The governing board must conduct grant reviews in compliance with state open meeting laws.