BOOST Program Launches to Support LACCD Health Students with $3 Million in Guaranteed Basic Income
Largest GBI Program for Community College Students in U.S. History Targets Healthcare Workforce Development
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the lives of community college students pursuing health careers. Aligning with the mission to advance equity and opportunity in education, the Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive (BOOST) program, a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) initiative, will provide $3 million in unrestricted monthly payments to LACCD students pursuing health careers.
The program is made possible through generous funding from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation ($3,175,000) and the Young Adults Forward Fund, an initiative of the California Community Foundation ($867,500).
BOOST is the largest GBI program for community college students in the U.S. to date. It will provide $1,000 per month for 12 months in unconditional cash payments to a cohort of 250 students. The program aims to bridge the widening gap between financial aid, wages, and students’ cost of living and will be available at four LACCD colleges: East LA College, LA City College, LA Trade-Technical College, and LA Southwest College.
“Over the past several decades, pathways to good jobs have become longer and more challenging to navigate,” said Gerun Riley, President of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. “BOOST will accelerate and strengthen the credentialing process for young people pursuing careers in the medical field, benefiting students and their families while also addressing healthcare labor shortages. The Broad Foundation is proud to partner with the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges in piloting this innovative program to boost student success and build pathways to mobility.”
“BOOST is a transformative opportunity for our LACCD students, providing the financial support they need to excel and achieve their full potential,” said Interim Chancellor Alberto J. Román. “BOOST is an investment in our students’ futures, empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals to fill vital roles in our local communities, which will undoubtedly strengthen the well-being of Los Angeles as a whole.”
“LACCD is at the forefront of addressing gaps in the healthcare industry, providing programs that prepare students for vital roles like mammography technicians, respiratory therapists, and addiction counselors,” said LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson. “With the launch of BOOST, we are expanding opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers while strengthening our commitment to the community and the healthcare workforce.”
“BOOST is breaking down barriers for students to enter meaningful and rewarding careers in healthcare, paving the way for their long-term success,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation. “We are proud to support investments in education and workforce development, which are the building blocks of opportunity for our students and, in the healthcare field, also support the wellbeing of the communities they will go on to serve.”
“BOOST will transform the future of participants and their families, empowering them to focus on their studies and career goals without the overwhelming burden of rising living costs,” said Kelly King, Executive Director of the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges. “We are profoundly grateful to The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the California Community Foundation for their generous support. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to our students and communities, exemplified by a strong investment in meeting the needs of LACCD’s students.”
The timing of BOOST’s launch couldn’t be more fitting, as the first round of funds will reach students just before Thanksgiving. In this season of giving, BOOST offers more than financial relief—it provides a lifeline for students who often face tough choices between meeting basic needs and focusing on their education. By helping students cover essential expenses, the program is also designed to boost career pathways by addressing employer demand for healthcare professionals and frontline workers, especially in primary care, preventive care, behavioral health, and aging-related services. These professions are essential, delivering lifesaving care that sustains and uplifts communities across Los Angeles. BOOST embodies the spirit of community support and generosity, making a tangible difference in the lives of students and the communities they will serve.
About the Los Angeles Community College District
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) is the largest community college district in the United States, educating approximately 200,000 students annually across its nine colleges. These colleges serve residents from more than 36 cities and communities within a 900-square-mile area of Los Angeles County. Since 1969, LACCD has provided vital educational pathways for students seeking to transfer to four-year universities, while also offering two-year degrees and specialized certificate programs that equip Southern California’s diverse workforce with the skills needed for various trades and professions. To learn more and register, visit our website and explore the L.A. College Promise program, offering free tuition for eligible students.
Members of the LACCD Board | Nichelle Henderson, President |, Kelsey K. Iino, Ed.D., Vice President | Second Vice President, Sara Hernandez, J.D. | Andra Hoffman | Steven F. Veres | Gabriel Buelna, Ph.D. | David Vela | Ambyr Cynthia Baham, Student Trustee
The LACCD colleges include Los Angeles City College; East Los Angeles College; Los Angeles Harbor College; Los Angeles Mission College; Los Angeles Pierce College; Los Angeles Southwest College; Los Angeles Trade-Technical College; Los Angeles Valley College and West Los Angeles College.
About the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges
The Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges supports giving and partnerships that advance postsecondary access and success for the diverse students and communities served by the Los Angeles Community College District. We envision a future where all individuals seeking to broaden their knowledge and skills have access to affordable, high-quality education and career training, regardless of their background. The Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, please visit www.fundlacolleges.org.
About the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation envisions a world where everyone can shape and participate in a sustainable, equitable economy that serves the public good and builds a brighter future. We steward our institutions in education, science and the arts, and in Los Angeles, we elevate organizations, initiatives and leaders who see our community as a place of opportunity where all Angelenos have pathways and tools to grow and thrive. To learn more, visit: https://broadfoundation.org/los-angeles/
About The California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation (CCF) has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF stewards $2.3 billion in assets and manages 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more information, please visit calfund.org.