California Schools Putting Healthier Lunches to the Test

From reshaping school lunches to offering vegan options, K-12 schools across the state are rethinking the formula behind student meals.

California Wants More Education Aid for College-Enrolled Moms and Dads

California has increased awards to up $6,000 for UC, Cal State and community college students with children — but delays and funding limitations are making it clear that for “nontraditional” students, more must be done.

Survey: College Students Spend $2,000 a Month on Housing, Books, Food

Nearly one-third of student surveyed said they didn't have enough money to cover housing expenses; more than one-third said they can't afford books and supplies

The price of college has become a hot-button issue at both the state and national level, but data has been scarce about how much, beyond tuition, California students actually spend on the housing, food, textbooks and other non-tuition items that they also need to earn a degree.

College Confidential

There are proven ways to navigate the college admissions process without cheating the system

With tens of thousands of undergrads applying each year for limited spots, California’s college systems have approved admission criteria for assessing incoming freshmen. While the strength of a student’s academic record is one of its top considerations, the University of California system has established 14 factors — both academic and nonacademic — for undergraduate admissions.

Lobbying Blitz Stymies California’s Crackdown on For-Profit Schools

Just a few months ago, California’s Democratic-controlled legislature seemed poised to pass the nation’s toughest restrictions on for-profit colleges. School owners publicly fretted that they’d have to shut down.

Funding An Array Of College Possibilities

Sponsored by Patrick K. Willis Company, Inc. for Future Sacramento

For students without family precedent, individual guidance and financial means, college can seem unattainable. Complex college applications and financial assistance paperwork complicate things further. Future Foundation of Sacramento identifies students who, despite these obstacles, show motivation and the ability to excel, and provides an array of resources to overcome the challenges.

College ready, career prepared.

Sponsored by Pacific Coast Building Products for Cristo Rey High School

Cristo Rey High School Sacramento provides a quality Catholic college-preparatory education to students who have limited financial resources, and a unique work-study component enriches students’ lives beyond their academic accomplishments. Every student works five days per month, gaining valuable experience in jobs at medical facilities, construction companies, law firms, lobbying firms, marketing and public relations businesses, local government, and more.

Teaching the Teachers

With the teacher shortage at crisis levels, education leaders are trying something new — intensive coaching while training on the job

Statewide, the number of people getting into teaching via a county office of education or school district internship doubled in the last five years.

While Needy School Districts Get More Money, Poor Students in Affluent Districts Suffer

California's 5-year-old school finance overhaul is working for disadvantaged students, but a study still finds that poor students aren't being helped in better-off districts

The study’s findings come amid pressure from lawmakers and advocates who have been concerned that the new system isn’t effectively channeling the extra state money to students, and that more progress hasn’t been made on the achievement gap.

Pathway to the Future

Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brian King on new opportunities — and new funding

Comstock’s recently spoke with King (who is also a member of our editorial advisory board) about challenges faced by community college students and how Los Rios can help train the workforce of the future.