School seeks state grants
Funds would be used to build an $80-million housing project, with 400 beds, for students
Cerritos College is seeking state grant funding to build affordable on-campus housing to continue tackling the persistent problem of homelessness for its students.
The college, which is in Norwalk, has applied for the Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. If it receives funding from that program, the money will be used to build an $80 million student housing project that will boast about 400 affordable beds and be ready by 2026. The complex will be located along Studebaker Road, across from the college's Health Science Building.
The state created the Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program as part of the 202122 budget package to promote the construction of affordable on-campus housing for its public higher education systems — the UCs, CSUs, and community colleges.
Besides its request for nearly $70 million in grant funding, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees is also contributing $12 million to ensure the district's bid for funding is competitive.
“Home insecurity among students is increasing statewide,” Cerritos College President/Superintendent Jose L. Fierro said in a statement. “But above all, L.A. County's typical rent for a onebedroom apartment is among the highest, costing up to $1,800 per month.
“We must eliminate the burden our students face of paying for expensive rent and provide them with a safe and secure living environment,” he added, “which ultimately will lead them to complete their educational goals on time.”
Cerritos College serves students in Arte
sia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downy, Hawaiian Gardens, La Miranda, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate.
Enrollment currently averages 21,000 students, according to a recent press release. About 15% of Cerritos College students have experienced homelessness, according to the 2019 “Real
College Survey Report” conducted by the Hope Lab. Hope Lab is an organization that aims to support “entrepreneurs, research, digital health, and solutions” that help young people, according to its website.
If the college's student housing grant application is approved, the district can offer below-marketrate housing units at $717 per bed, including utilities, for students who need safe and secure housing.
Cerritos College, meanwhile, will also continue
offering other student support services.
In 2020, the College opened The Village, California's first community college housing development exclusively for students facing homelessness.
The Village serves 28 students — but far more is needed. More than half of Cerritos College students were reported to face housing insecurity and had difficulty paying rent or a mortgage, according to the 2019 “Real College” Survey.
Besides The Village, the campus opened the Falcon's
Nest, a centralized network of resources that provides students with basic needs support, including food, clothing and hygiene.
“Addressing the basic needs of our students is a major goal for the Board of Trustees, and that includes housing students who face homelessness,” said Cerritos College's board president, Shin Liu. “Having more affordable student housing is crucial so students can focus on getting their education and building their future.”