AICCU

As a graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Assemblymember Rubio has firsthand knowledge of the educational opportunities and supports that the state’s independent nonprofit colleges and universities provide to students.

We look forward to having Assemblymember Blanca Rubio join us for AICCU’s 2026 Day in the Capitol, where she will deliver a keynote speech before our student advocates.

Thank you to Rep. Pete Aguilar for his thoughtful conversation at the event with University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk. We appreciate his leadership and continued engagement with independent higher education.

AICCU and several of our campus leaders are in Washington, DC for @naicu.edu’s Annual Meeting to advocate for federal policies that support students, campuses, and communities.

The new episode of our Insights with AICCU podcast features Tom Stritikus, president of Occidental College. President Stritikus discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher ed and shares how Occidental is expanding college access and affordability. Listen now: bit.ly/4hru18e.

The 2026 Facts & Figures report highlights the impact of independent, nonprofit colleges and universities in California — showing how these institutions are lowering financial barriers and serving diverse students across the state. Take a closer look at the numbers here: bit.ly/4k4H1lF.

Save the date for AICCU’s 2026 Day in the Capitol, happening Feb. 24. This annual student advocacy event is open to all AICCU member institutions. Students and campus leaders will have the opportunity to meet with legislators and make their voices heard at an open mic on the Capitol steps.

Marash Keshishian is currently pursuing health science degree at La Sierra University with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. She says college has been #WorthIt because the knowledge she gained from her studies will allow her to contribute back to society and secure her family’s future.

Registration is OPEN for our #CaliforniaPrivateCollegeIsPossible Spring College Fair at Northeastern University Oakland. Learn more about degree programs, admission requirements, and financial aid at nearly 20 participating private colleges. Register now at CAPrivateCollegeIsPossible.org/events.

As we mark this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering students and strengthening our communities.

This year, AICCU celebrates 70 years of championing independent higher education in California! AICCU was established in March 1955. For seven decades, we have supported our students and institutions by advocating for access, affordability, and excellence.

Yesterday, Fresno Pacific University President André Stephens and National University student Oshada Samaranayake provided testimony on how Cal Grant has changed the lives of so many students and how the program has the opportunity to help them further achieve their career goals.

AB 402, our sponsored bill that would expand Cal Grant support for students, has passed its first hurdle through the Assembly Higher Ed Committee.

YouTube video by AICCU Vote Yes on Assembly Bill 402 to Support Student Success

#AB402 would expand financial aid support for nearly 25,000 #CalGrant recipients at independent California colleges and universities. This modest but essential funding increase will help students achieve their career goals at the college that best fits their needs. #WorthIt #VoteYesOnAB402

Betsy Erivez Robles ’28 and Lizette Gonzalez ’27 traveled to Sacramento last month to participate in the @aiccucal.bsky.social’s Day in the Capitol. They represented Pomona College as they met with assembly members and senators to advocate for a bill to increase the Cal Grant award.

Introducing our ICCAP 2025 cohort! This group is made up of 23 students from 14 independent California colleges and universities. They are currently working on developing their leadership and advocacy skills to uplift the student voice in policymaking matters impacting higher education.

Private College Students and Leaders Advocate for State Investments to the Cal Grant Program AICCU held its student advocacy day at the CA State Capitol to advocate for increased state investments to the Cal Grant program.

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: bit.ly/4ipdwZJ.

Here's a look at our highlights from #DITC2025! Over 60 students and campus leaders made their way to the CA State Capitol for multiple rounds of meetings with legislators and their staff.

Yesterday, AICCU and Occidental College President Tom Stritikus met with California lawmakers to highlight the work of the university in the midst of proposed federal changes and to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the independent, nonprofit higher ed sector.

Congratulations to University of Redlands President Krista Newkirk. She joins AICCU President Kristen Soares and other higher ed leaders on @ppicnotes.bsky.social Higher Education Center Advisory Council to help identify policies that improve student success and meet future state workforce needs.

These investments are crucial in making higher education more accessible, affordable, and equitable for all Californians.

AICCU’s 2025 Day in the Capitol is happening TOMORROW! Over 60 students and staff from our independent nonprofit institutions will take to the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and advocate for #AB402, which would restore and expand #CalGrant funding.

Asm. Fong serves as chair of the Assembly Higher Ed Committee and the Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. Before joining the Assembly, he was a trustee of the Los Angeles Community College District, where he worked to expand career pathways and improve access to higher education.

We are excited to share that Assemblymember Mike Fong will join us for #DITC2025, where he will speak at our open mic ceremony before our student advocates head to their legislative meetings.

She recently introduced AB 402 into the State Legislature, a bill that would expand financial aid support for nearly 25,000 #CalGrant recipients attending independent colleges and universities.

We look forward to having Asm. Darshana Patel join us for AICCU’s 2025 Day in the Capitol, where she will deliver a keynote speech before our student advocates. As an Occidental College alumna, she understands the opportunities and supports that independent nonprofit colleges provide to students.

We continue to advocate for strengthening the Pell, protecting Federal Work-Study and SEOG from budget cuts, and ensuring nonprofit colleges and their communities impacted by the LA fires are eligible to receive federal support.

AICCU was in Washington, D.C. this week for @naicu.bsky.social Annual Meeting. Nearly 20 presidents and campus leaders from our institutions met with CA Congressional representatives, higher ed officials, and @insidehighered.com reporters to discuss federal policy issues impacting their campuses.