Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

Introducing our ICCAP 2025 cohort! This group is made up of 23 students from 14 independent California colleges and universities (ICCU). These students are currently working on developing their leadership and advocacy skills to uplift the student voice in policymaking matters impacting higher education. Last week, they met with state legislators and/or their staff for AICCU’s 2025 Day in the Capitol to advocate for #AB402, which would increase state investments to the #CalGrant and support their higher education goals. Students from the following ICCUs: Chapman University, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Claremont McKenna College, Mount Saint Mary's University, National University, Pitzer College, Palo Alto University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Pomona College, University of La Verne, University of Redlands, University of the Pacific, University of Southern California, and Vanguard University of Southern California

Here's a look at our highlights from #DITC2025! Over 60 students and campus leaders made their way to the CA State Capitol last week for multiple rounds of meetings with legislators and their staff. They shared their unique perspective on issues students face when pursuing a college education and advocated for #AB402, which would increase state investments to the #CalGrant and support their higher education goals. Read the full recap of events at bit.ly/4ipdwZJ.

Yesterday, AICCU and Occidental College President Tom Stritikus were at the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and highlight the work of the university in the midst of proposed federal changes; as well as gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the independent, nonprofit higher ed sector.

Today, we’re celebrating National Women’s Colleges and Universities Day! American women’s colleges were founded more than 250 years ago to create access and opportunity for women in higher education. AICCU is proud to recognize our sector’s women’s colleges—Mount Saint Mary's University and Scripps College—for their lasting impact in empowering women through education, leadership, and innovation. ??: Courtesy of tagged institutions

On Tuesday, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Menlo College and lobby at the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities #DITC2025 in Sacramento alongside Irving Frausto As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand how financial barriers can impact access to higher education. Programs like the #CalGrant make it possible for students like me to pursue our academic and professional goals without the overwhelming burden of tuition costs. At the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities’ Day in the Capitol, we advocated for #AB402, which seeks to increase Cal Grant funding to $9,708 and expand financial aid opportunities for nontraditional and transfer students. Ensuring access to higher education isn’t just about students, it’s about investing in California’s future workforce and economy. Thank you, Menlo College, for giving me and Irving Frausto this opportunity to advocate for students across the state! And a big thank you to the lawmakers who took the time to listen to our stories and recognize the importance of protecting and expanding financial aid programs. Let’s keep pushing for a future where every student has the resources they need to succeed! #AICCU #DITC2025 #CalGrantCan #AB402 #HigherEdAdvocacy #FirstGen

Congratulations to University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk on her appointment to the Public Policy Institute of California Higher Education Center Advisory Council. She joins AICCU President Kristen F. Soares and other higher education leaders on the board to help identify policies that improve student success and meet the future workforce needs of the state.

Day at the Capitol is AICCU’s annual advocacy event, bringing together nearly 100 students and campus leaders from nonprofit institutions across California to advocate for issues impacting higher education. Our advocacy focuses on key areas such as college affordability, equity, and diversity—all of which play essential roles in student success. This year, I had the privilege of joining my fellow students and institutional leaders to advocate for increased investments in the Cal Grant Program. Specifically, we urged legislators to support AB 402, which would: 1. Restore the Cal Grant award to $9,708. 2. Remove barriers for students seeking to transfer to independent nonprofit institutions. I had the incredible opportunity to engage with various legislative staff and assembly members to discuss this important initiative. Speaking about the struggles many students face was both humbling and inspiring. While I recognize that I am just one voice in a larger movement within the educational community, I am truly honored to have played a role in this advocacy effort.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate and lobby in the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities #DITC2025 event in Sacramento, CA, where I advocated for the implementation of Assembly Bill 402 with our California legislators! #AB402 will restore and strengthen the #CalGrant for the 350,000+ students and 40,000+ nontraditional/transfer students within California's private universities and institutions! As a first-generation college student and representative of?Pitzer College, I was joined by?Natalie Ascorra?and?Cesar Morales Resendiz, members of Pitzer's Financial Aid Department, and fellow Claremont College students to continue the discussion about the need for expanded support for access to higher education. I also met with representatives of California Assemblymembers to discuss the need to prioritize?#AB402?in legislation and policy discussions and urged them to sign the budget letter to ensure funding for the Cal Grant.? About 51% of Cal Grant students are Latinx, and 41% are First-Generation College Students. The Cal Grant helps students like me have the financial means to attend college and have access to higher education. Especially right now, with our current political climate, it is crucial to advocate for continued financial aid from state and federal resources to remove the barriers for future low-income and first-generation generations to pursue college. The #CalGrant allows and supports students to succeed in their education. Education is an investment in our future economy and workforce! I am so grateful to be in the 2025 ICCAP advocate program cohort through the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities! Thank you to?Michael Tocydlowski?and Carina Salgado from Pitzer College's Financial Aid Department office for supporting us at the event!

Yesterday, I was excited to have participated in AICCU’s 2025 Day in the Capitol! Representing first-generation students and #CalGrant recipients at the State Capitol was an incredible opportunity to advocate for #AB402, a crucial bill that seeks to restore and expand Cal Grant funding and increase access for non-traditional transfer students. As a first-generation student at Pitzer College and a child of Mexican immigrants, pursuing higher education has always been more than a personal goal; it is a testament to my parents' sacrifices and resilience. Opportunities like these remind me why advocacy is so important for current students and future generations who deserve access to education without financial barriers. Connecting with lawmakers and sharing our stories reinforced the importance of advocating for policies that support California’s independent nonprofit colleges and universities. Thank you, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities for this opportunity to advocate for students across the state. A special thank you to Michael Tocydlowski and Carina Salgado from Pitzer College’s Financial Aid Office for their support and my fantastic team, Natalie Ascorra and Isabella Guerra for working together to champion educational equity! #HigherEducation #AICCU2025 #DITC2025 #FirstGen #PitzerCollege #EducationalEquity #StudentAdvocacy

At?AICCU?#DITC2025?advocating for?#AB402, we had the chance to meet Redlands alum Cyla Holiday in Assemblymember?Josh Hoover's office! Always proud to see Bulldogs making an impact!?#relentlesslyredlands?#calgrant