By Stephen Oduntan
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — A program that will provide $1,000 a month for 250 students in the Los Angeles Community College District to assist with basic living expenses was launched this week by the district with support from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the California Community Foundation.
The BOOST program, short for Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive, is the largest guaranteed basic income initiative for community college students in the country. The program aims to bridge financial aid gaps, supplement low wages and alleviate rising living costs for students pursuing careers in health care.
Students like Priscilla Salcedo, a psychology and sociology major at East Los Angeles College, say BOOST is a “lifeline” that will empower them to stay focused on their education.
“It helps us overcome financial and personal barriers,” said Salcedo, who returned to school after pausing her education during the pandemic to support her family. “For many of us, earning a degree is not just about academic achievement — it’s about overcoming personal, financial and emotional challenges.”
Another student, Jasmine Francis, 25, said BOOST gives her the stability she needs to pursue her goals.
“I think this program benefits someone like me, who just came out of a shelter and is now given an opportunity to fulfill my goals,” she said. The financial support helps Francis cover essentials like gas and school supplies, enabling her to focus on her education.
The $3-million-a-year program is funded by contributions from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation ($3.175 million) and the Young Adults Forward Fund, an initiative of the California Community Foundation ($867,500). Administered by the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, BOOST will provide monthly payments to students enrolled at East Los Angeles College, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Los Angeles Southwest College.
“This program will provide the breathing room they need to focus on completing their career pathways while juggling multiple priorities,” said Abigail Marquez, general manager of the city of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department and vice chair of the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges.
Kelly King, executive director of the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges, said the inspiration for BOOST stemmed from the challenges many students face.
“A lot of our students face financial challenges in reaching their career goals,” she said. “By providing $1,000 a month for 12 months, we’re giving them the support they need to complete their education and fill vital roles in health care.”
King also emphasized BOOST’s broader mission of fostering equity and uplifting communities.
“BOOST embodies the spirit of community support and generosity,” she said, “making a tangible difference in the lives of students and the communities they will serve.”
Launching just before Thanksgiving, BOOST offers timely relief for students often forced to choose between meeting basic needs and focusing on their education. By covering expenses like transportation, school supplies, and housing, the program helps students stay focused on their studies while addressing urgent workforce shortages.
Porsha Cropper, senior program officer at the Broad Foundation, highlighted BOOST’s role in preparing students for careers in clinical, allied and behavioral health care fields. She noted that these professions not only create opportunities for students but also address critical gaps in the health care industry.
LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson contextualized these personal stories within the broader goals of BOOST. She highlighted the program’s role in addressing workforce shortages, including critical positions such as mammography technicians, respiratory therapists, and addiction counselors.
“Community colleges are stepping up to fill the gap that universities often can’t when it comes to nurses, allied health workers, and mental health professionals,” Henderson said.
BOOST’s mission extends beyond financial relief. By equipping students to graduate, it creates a ripple effect —addressing employer demand for health care professionals and improving community health outcomes.
