These LA Community College Students Are Getting Paid to Go to School
- In November 2024, a health care student from Los Angeles City College, Brenda Olazava, was chosen to participate in BOOST, a pilot program awarding $1,000 per month for a year to 24 eligible students.
- The BOOST program was developed in response to survey results showing that a significant majority of tens of thousands of students attending California community colleges face challenges in meeting their basic needs, particularly in light of the state's ongoing shortage of nurses.
- Olazava received her first payment by Thanksgiving 2024, which allowed her to reduce financial stress, focus on studies, and graduate in June 2025 with four associate degrees.
- Kelly King, manager of the BOOST program, noted that individuals receiving the monthly payments experienced reduced stress, skipped fewer meals, and gained opportunities to organize their finances better, decrease their debt, or improve their living conditions.
- The foundation supporting Los Angeles community colleges intends to maintain assistance for students experiencing hardship and plans to develop resources that enable other institutions to implement similar BOOST initiatives.
11 Articles
11 Articles

These LA community college students are getting paid to go to school
In November last year, Los Angeles City College student Brenda Olazava got an email notifying her that she had been selected to participate in a guaranteed income pilot program.

These LA community college students are getting paid to go to school. Here’s how
This story was originally published by CalMatters.
These LA community college students are getting paid to go to school. Here's how
In summary A pilot program by the Los Angeles Community College District pays $1,200 a month to students pursuing health fields. By helping with living expenses, the district hopes the guaranteed income will help more students complete their health care workforce development programs. In November last year, Los Angeles City College student Brenda Olazava got an email notifying her that she had been selected to participate in a guaranteed income …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium