OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) -- The University of California is launching a four-year, $1 billion fundraising drive to help middle-class students pay for college.
UC President Mark Yudof visited Sunnyside High School in Fresno Friday, where the far majority of students are from families below the poverty line, yet still go on to college.
KCBS’ Margie Shafer Reports
"If the regents approve it in November, if you're in a family with an income of less than $70,000, you will not pay any fees at the University of California," Yudof said.
Project You Can will be paid for through fundraising of a billion dollars by all ten UC campuses.
The university's funding had been cut by more than $800 million over the past two years and Yudof said he doesn't want the headlines to scare good students away.
"There's certain things we need to do to preserve the quality of our program, but I don't want to frighten off the young people who come from low income families. That's the purpose of the message," said Yudof.
UC leaders plan to raise fees 32 percent over the next year.
(kmi)