Student financial aid: Cal Grant Program and the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program.

Assembly Member Patel's proposal to modify California's Cal Grant Program would increase the maximum tuition award amount for students attending independent institutions to $9,708 beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, provided institutions meet established targets for accepting community college transfer students. The current maximum award of $9,358 would rise by $350, contingent upon state funding appropriations.

The legislation also revises eligibility requirements for the California Community College Expanded Entitlement Program, removing existing conditions that tie award retention to General Fund availability when students transfer to independent institutions. Under the changes, community college students who receive these awards would maintain their eligibility upon transfer regardless of state budget forecasts or specific funding allocations.

The bill preserves the existing framework requiring independent institutions to demonstrate commitment to accepting associate degrees for transfer, with annual reporting requirements to track implementation. Award amounts remain tied to institutions meeting prescribed targets for accepting transfer students, maintaining the connection between financial aid levels and transfer pathway accessibility.