The pandemic illuminated how deeply systems of inequity harm the most discounted among us and made clear that hardships students face. The price of attending California colleges far exceeds support provided by financial aid. Basic needs - rent, fees, textbooks and supplies, transportation, Internet, computers - present substantial barriers. 1-in-5 community college students, and 1-in-10 CSU students report having experienced homelessness while in school.

More than 40% of CSU students and 50% of Los Rios Community College students reported food insecurity. For many, educational costs require working unmanageable hours, risking academic success, with debt burdens falling heavily on those with low incomes. The Stonewall Foundation has leaned in to increase our giving annually.

Please rally again to help us address students’ unmet needs. With your support we will continue to build our pipeline of LGBTQ+ leadership committed to building a more inclusive world.