Education
The cost of private colleges is high, yet many low-income students still choose them
Some students work multiple jobs and give up extracurricular activities to supplement their financial aid. Many say it’s worth it.
This new California law will offer college students rehab before discipline for overdosing
College students who seek help for substance use after an overdose face disciplinary action by their campus. A new California law, written in part by students themselves, will require public universities to offer rehabilitation services to students rather than discipline.
Once given out at USC, this banned, opioid-like product is still cropping up in California
A drinkable product called Feel Free was once marketed to USC students as a wellness tonic. It contains an addictive, opioid-like ingredient called kratom leaf, now banned for sale by the California Department of Public Health but still available in many stores. A new bill in the Legislature would make the ban permanent in California.
How college students can earn $10,000 for making a difference in CA communities
The popular College Corps program pays students up to $10,000 for community service work including tutoring incarcerated youth, assisting at food banks and more. The program is expanding from 45 to 52 campuses, adding hundreds of more students.
California colleges spend millions on faulty AI systems: ‘The chatbot is outdated’
Community colleges are spending millions on AI-powered chatbots that students say often give inaccurate answers. Many might see upgrades this year.
Jennifer Burger
Editor
Michael Lozano
Assistant Editor
Alina Ta
San Jose State
Aliza Imran
Sacramento State
Andrea Baltodano
San Joaquin Delta College
Angel Corzo
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Brittany Oceguera
Cal State Bakersfield
Chrissa Olson
UC Berkeley
Ella Carter-Klauschie
UC Berkeley
Kahani Malhotra
Claremont McKenna College
Khadeejah Khan
UC Davis
Martin Romero
East Los Angeles College
Phoebe Huss
UCLA
Sophie Sullivan
USC
Politics
How much did the youth vote shift to the right in California?
In November 2024, California voters made a small shift to the right. What part did young voters play in it? Experts say reasons could range from fewer young people turning out to vote to changes in ideology.
Higher Education
LA colleges move classes online, offer services to students affected by fire
After the LA fires prompted several colleges and universities to close or move to remote operations last week, several are resuming from winter break this week with online instruction and resources for students, employees and surrounding communities.
College Beat
College protests swept across California last year. Why have they stopped?
Campus administrators have been swift in enforcing their protest rules this fall, a marked change from last spring where protest encampments grew unchecked for days or weeks. Meanwhile, students are asking courts to weigh in on policies in court.
Education
Black California students want more support. A new law names colleges that serve them best
A new law taking effect Jan. 1 creates a Black-Serving Institution designation for colleges and universities in California that excel in supporting student success. Campus presidents say the designation will help them recruit Black students and give them an HBCU-like experience in their home state instead of having to leave California for college.
Education
How California keeps transgender student athletes on the court as bans unfold across the country
California is becoming increasingly tangled in the nationwide fight over whether transgender college athletes should be allowed to compete on teams of their gender identity. Just how much can state laws and policies protect its players?
Elections
We talked to California college students about today’s election. Here’s what’s on their minds
California’s college students represent a wide array of ages, ethnicities, lived experiences and political beliefs. Eight voters who attend a California college shared their perspectives with CalMatters on the issues that matter to them as some vote in local, state and national elections for the first time.
Education
California students want careers in AI. Here’s how colleges are meeting that demand
The governor’s recent deal with Nvidia will boost AI education at community colleges and open the door to similar deals for public four-year universities in California. Meanwhile, computer science programs are adding AI concentrations and majors to prepare students for a range of "blue collar" and technical AI jobs.
Education
Community college faculty often campus-hop. Newsom vetoed a plan to make their lives easier
A bill vetoed by the governor would have increased the number of classes part-time community college faculty can teach at a single campus. Part-timers often have to commute between multiple campuses to make ends meet. The governor cited potential costs for his veto.
Education
As Cal State touts sex discrimination reforms, some students and employees question progress
The California State University Board of Trustees heard positive reports on Title IX reforms at its meeting this week, including new campus audits and data collection. However, some faculty and students say they have yet to see improvements.