With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
College affordability, rating system subjects of public forum
In this file photo, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on the steps the administration is taking to increase college affordability by making it easier to manage student loan debt at the Colorado University in Denver, Colo., in 2011. The public will get a chance to discuss the initiative at a series of public fora, the first being held at Cal State Dominguez Hills Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013.
(
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
)
Cal State Dominguez Hills will host a public forum on President Barack Obama's College Affordability Initiative on Wednesday.
The event is the first of four sessions around the country, and it's the only one in California.
In addition to its three main components — paying for performance, promoting innovation and competition, and ensuring student debt is affordable — the president's College Affordability Initiative calls for a college ratings system.
David Gamboa with Cal State Dominguez Hills says a ratings system would provide more accountability in higher education.
Support for LAist comes from
"It will also provide the ability for families to better understand the framework of what institution might be the best bargain for their families, especially as they look into various universities to send their students," Gamboa said.
The president's higher education plan includes a proposal for more financial aid for students at higher-rated colleges and an effort to make student loans affordable.
The public event at Cal State Dominguez Hills starts at 9 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m.
You can watch a live stream of the event below or on the university's website.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist