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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 91��Ů 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 91��Ů 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 91��Ů 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.”

"91��Ů 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 91��Ů 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 91��Ů’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.