WJU Potential Elimination of Cal Grants Hits Close to Home
Local Students Feel Impact Firsthand

Elika Bernard




Chelsie Nakasone

ROCKLIN – It’s an exciting time of year, summer is almost here, school is out and graduates are celebrating. Or are they? Many graduates are excited about graduation but uneasy about their future plans, especially those that involve attending college.

With the Governor’s May revision proposal to modify the 2009-10 State budget and eliminate funds for new Cal Grant applicants, first time college bound students are preparing for detours along the road to higher education.

Lincoln resident, Chelsie Nakasone is one of many students who could be impacted once the budget is finally settled. Nakasone plans to attend William Jessup University this fall but if the Cal Grant program is eliminated, she won’t be seen around the 128 acre Rocklin campus.

“We’ve worked very hard to keep our kids out of debt while they are obtaining their higher education goals,” said Donna Nakasone, Chelsie’s mom. “If Cal Grants are no longer available, Chelsie would be impacted to the point that she wouldn’t be able to go.”

As a Teacher Education major, Nakasone chose Jessup because she wanted to attend a Christian college and play soccer. “I’ve had the chance to come out and practice with the team and look forward to one day be part of the team,” Nakasone explained. “But that might not happen if I can’t get a Cal Grant.”

Schwarzenegger’s proposal seeks to continue Cal Grant funding for eligible renewal students for the 2009-10 fiscal year but students are being advised by the California Student Aid Commission that any Cal Grant award offer is tentative and subject to final approval of the 2009-10 State Budget Act.

As of last Friday, the Budget Conference Committee voted to reject the Governor's proposal to completely eliminate the Cal Grant program. According to the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), “The question of a cut in funding remains on the table, as do other ideas about altering the program.” Another student, Elika Bernard, was Berkley bound but decided Jessup was a better fit for her. “When I attended Preview Day and spent some time on campus, I realized that WJU was the place for me. I knew that they would work with me to achieve my goals financially,” explained Bernard.

“I want to be a Music major, so I was excited that I also had the chance to audition for the university’s music program and meet WJU’s music chairman.” If Cal Grants are eliminated, Bernard won’t be attending or singing at Jessup. “I would most likely go back to Sacramento City College and get an AA in music.”

Already a graduate of Sacramento City College with an AA in Social Science, the 21 year old transfer student finds herself a bit anxious and somewhat disappointed about the future. “Both of my parents went to college and support my education but they aren’t in the financial position to put me through college,” Bernard said. “With the crash of our economy, I’ve lost about 80 percent of my college funds.”

“I was upset to learn that Cal Grants may be eliminated. I feel that education always gets on the back burner and our legislators need to recognize how important education is. Our state needs a qualified pool of job applicants.”

Bernard had the opportunity to share her views last April when she went to the State Capitol as an associate student government representative from Sacramento City College and spoke on the floor to the Education Committee. There she expressed her views about a bill that mandated teachers to justify requesting new textbooks.

“I told them that I represent the thousands of faces they do not see. I value education and want to make a difference with my life but need to have an education to achieve my goals.”

According to the California Student Aid Commission, the state has been offering grants to college students since 1955.