Menlo College Delegation Champions Cal Grant Reform at AICCU Day in the Capitol Posted on February 28, 2026March 4, 2026 by George Retelas SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A delegation from Menlo College traveled to Sacramento on February 25, 2026 to participate in Day in the Capitol hosted by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU). The annual event brings together students and university leaders to engage directly with legislators about the importance of the Cal Grant program and equitable access to higher education. Jessica Oseguera Santoyo, Norma Guerrero, and Mandi Roberts. Representing Menlo College were students Jessica Oseguera Santoyo and Mandi Roberts, along with Assistant Director of Student Financial Resources Norma Guerrero. The group spent the day meeting with lawmakers and staff to advocate for AB 402, legislation aimed at correcting longstanding inequities in the Cal Grant system. Inside the Legislative Chambers. AB 402 proposes two key reforms. The first would restore the maximum Cal Grant tuition award for students attending nonprofit private institutions from $9,358 to $9,708. Since 2001, Cal Grant awards for independent colleges have decreased by 4 percent, while awards for UC and CSU students have increased by more than 220 percent. The second reform would extend Transfer Entitlement portability to nontraditional students age 25 and older who transfer to independent colleges. Currently, those students retain their grant if transferring to a UC or CSU campus but lose it if they choose a nonprofit institution such as Menlo College. Nearly 1,000 students had awards rescinded between 2023 and 2025 due to this limitation. Menlo College students Jessica Oseguera Santoyo and Mandi Roberts. For Jessica Oseguera Santoyo, majoring in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, the experience was personal. “We talked about the real impact the Cal Grant has had on our journey at Menlo College, and why continued support for students like us matters as it allows for equitable access and institutional choice when selecting a college,” she said. During the visit, the delegation met with Marc Berman, whose office committed to reviewing AB 402, as well as the office of Josh Becker, which confirmed support for the bill. They also met with policy staff from the office of Robert Rivas, who has expressed support. The advocacy effort reflects Menlo College’s mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences needed to succeed and lead in a global society. Expanding equity in the Cal Grant system supports access, upward mobility, and the promise of higher education as a pathway to leadership and impact. To learn more about AICCU, visit https://aiccu.edu/. Entrance to the California State Capitol building. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
