Imagine juggling school, work, and raising a toddler, all while witnessing the heart-wrenching separation of families on social media. This is the reality for Adriana Orea, a pre-nursing student at L.A. City College, who shared her story with LAist. But here's where it gets inspiring: Orea is one of 251 students who received $1,000 a month through the L.A. Community College District's groundbreaking guaranteed basic income program, BOOST (Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive). A year later, we're checking in to see how this financial lifeline has shaped their lives and futures.
A Year of Challenges and Triumphs
For Orea, the past year has been a rollercoaster. Balancing her responsibilities while processing the emotional toll of immigration separations left her exhausted. She even skipped putting up a Christmas tree. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s hope. Her son is thriving in preschool, and Orea has completed the prerequisites for competitive nursing programs—a feat she credits partly to BOOST. The program, funded by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the California Community College Foundation, provided her and 250 other students with monthly stipends to cover their needs.
The Impact of Financial Stability
Orea’s story is just one example of how BOOST has transformed lives. She’s paid off debt, started saving, and feels closer than ever to her dream of becoming a registered nurse. “I’m so close,” she says, her determination palpable. But Orea isn’t alone. BOOST participants, who are predominantly female, Hispanic or Latino, and parents, have used the funds for everything from rent to dental care and childcare. Some, like Orea, have even enrolled in financial literacy workshops to build long-term stability.
And this is the part most people miss: BOOST isn’t just about immediate relief; it’s about long-term change. The University of Pennsylvania's Center for Guaranteed Income Research is evaluating the program’s impact, comparing recipients with a control group of over 300 students who didn’t receive the stipend. The study, expected to conclude in 2027, will assess not only the 12 months of payments but also the six months afterward, providing a comprehensive view of its effects.
Controversy and Counterpoints
While BOOST has shown promise, it’s not without its critics. Some argue that guaranteed income programs could discourage work or create dependency. But here’s a thought-provoking question: If programs like BOOST enable students to focus on education and long-term goals, isn’t that a worthwhile investment in their future—and society’s? After all, nearly half of BOOST participants are parents, and their success could break cycles of poverty for entire families.
Looking Ahead
BOOST’s success has spurred plans for expansion. Kelly King, the program’s chief advancement officer, is seeking $1.8 million to support a new cohort of 150 students, potentially focusing on skilled trades to include more male-identified students. This move addresses a critical need in L.A. County, where thousands of homes still need rebuilding after the Eaton fire—a disaster that hit close to home for King, who lost her own home.
A Call to Action
As BOOST continues to evolve, it raises important questions: How can we ensure that basic needs programs like this become the norm rather than the exception? And what role should private funding play in addressing systemic issues like housing insecurity and income inequality? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think guaranteed income programs are the future of social support, or are there better ways to help students thrive? Share your perspective in the comments below!
