LA Community College Students Reflect on $1,000 Monthly Stipends

Over the past year, the Los Angeles Community College District's BOOST program provided 251 students with $1,000 monthly stipends. This initiative, aimed at students pursuing health careers, sought to alleviate financial stress and support educational goals. The program, known as Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive (BOOST), was funded by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the California Community College Foundation.

Students used the funds for various needs, including rent, medical bills, and childcare. According to LAist, Adriana Orea, a pre-nursing student, credited the program with helping her complete prerequisites for nursing programs. She noted that the financial support allowed her to reduce debt and save money. Similarly, Brenda Olazava, another participant, used the stipend to manage bills and provide for her children, as reported by CalMatters.

The BOOST program is under evaluation by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Guaranteed Income Research, which is conducting a study involving both recipients and a control group of students who did not receive the stipend. The district anticipates an interim report in May 2026 and a final report in May 2027. The program aims to address California's nursing shortage by supporting students in health fields.

While the stipends have ended, the district continues to seek additional funding to support future cohorts, potentially focusing on skilled trades. The program's impact on students' financial stability and educational progress is being closely monitored to assess its effectiveness and potential for expansion.