OAKLAND, Calif. – Laney College, located just one block from Lake Merritt BART, is offering new and continuing students a free Fall 2022 semester that goes far beyond free tuition.
The Fall is Free program is open to students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application or the California Dream Act application, and there are no minimum or maximum units required. Students can take any of the college’s in-person, hybrid or online classes. International students are not eligible for the program.
In addition to free tuition, the program covers textbook costs and the college’s student health fees. Students will also receive free bus passes, free lunch on campus, free weekly produce boxes, and chromebook and wifi hotspots to check-out from the Library.
“Laney College is thrilled to offer a Free Fall to most of our students. Now more than ever, we must recognize that college costs that go beyond tuition represent barriers to success for so many students, whether they are working adults attending part-time or high school graduates. This Fall is about not only opportunity, but putting students in the best position possible to reach their goals with our support,” Rudy Besikof, president of Laney College said.
With more than 130 programs to choose from, the Fall is Free program gives students the extra support they need to dream, flourish and succeed with the help of Areas of Interest and the Pathways for Success mapper.
Laney College offers associate degrees, certificates and associate degrees for transfer, which guarantee admission into a California State University. This fall, there are over 600 classes to choose from, including short-term, late-start and weekend courses.
With a rich history in the trades, Laney College offers access to internships, cutting-edge training and ties to local industry that culminate in high-paying jobs. Located in vibrant downtown Oakland, the open campus is easily accessible and offers courses in different modalities and at different times to accommodate both working adults and high school students.
The college’s rich history in the community dates back to 1927, and the student body’s diversity is a point of pride. With the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Laney College’s Fall is Free program offers students an opportunity to finish what they started or begin a new, exciting goal – with support.
For more information, students can visit the college’s Welcome Center, visit the Fall is Free website or call the Fall is Free Helpdesk at (510) 255-3507, open from 9-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday. Laney will be hosting information sessions for students August 10, 11, 12, 15 and 16 at 12 p.m. with additional evening sessions at 6 p.m. on August 10 and 11. Students can also access the online FAQ.
#AnythingIsPossible
The "Fall is Free" campaign at Laney College is getting media attention! The San Francisco Chronicle picked up the story (note: subscription may be required to access): https://www.sfchronicle.com/eastbay/article/This-East-Bay-college-is-offering-a-semester-of-17303807.php
Additionally, KCBS Radio covered the story with audio available here:
