The legislation strengthens the Strong Workforce Program by enabling community college districts to provide direct financial support to students, employers, or both for paid internships, apprenticeships, externships, and other work-based learning experiences.
"California's community colleges are engines of economic mobility, and AB 323 ensures that all students—regardless of their financial circumstances—can access the hands-on training that leads to good-paying careers," said Assemblymember Mike Fong, Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee. "I'm grateful to LACCD and SDCCD for their partnership in advancing this legislation and to Governor Newsom for signing the bill into law. Together, we're creating pathways to prosperity for California's diverse student population."
"We are sincerely appreciative to Assemblymember Mike Fong for his leadership on AB 323, which requires no additional funding and provides community colleges with the flexibility to better support student needs," said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. "This bill will benefit students by expanding access to valuable work-based learning experiences, helping eliminate equity gaps in education and employment."
The bill addresses a critical gap in workforce development by authorizing community college districts to use Strong Workforce Program funds to directly support paid work-based learning opportunities. This change recognizes that many community college students cannot afford to participate in unpaid internships or work experiences, creating barriers to career advancement for low-income and first-generation students.
“AB 323 accelerates the construction of equitable career pathways for community college students across California," said LACCD Board President Kelsey K. Iino, Ed.D. "As both a community college graduate and counselor, I've seen firsthand how unpaid internships create a two-tiered system—one for students who can afford to work for free, and another for those who cannot. This legislation levels the playing field and ensures that talent and hard work, not financial circumstances, determine student success. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this critical legislation into law.”
AB 323 requires the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office to revise policies and guidance by June 30, 2026, to support paid work-based learning opportunities. The legislation specifically authorizes community college districts to use Strong Workforce Program funds to provide direct support for apprenticeships, internships, externships, and student-run enterprises that increase employability and employment outcomes.
AB 323 takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Assemblymember Mike Fong represents the 49th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, South Pasadena and Temple City, and the unincorporated areas of Pasadena and San Gabriel. He serves as the Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee and the Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.
About the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)
Los Angeles Community College District is the nation’s largest community college district, educating about 210,000 students annually at its nine colleges that serve the residents of more than 36 cities and communities from 900 square miles of Los Angeles County. Since 1969, the District has been providing an important learning pathway for students seeking transfer to four-year colleges or universities while also offering two-year degrees and certificated training programs to Southern California’s diverse workforce in many specialized trades and professions. Learn more about our L.A. College Promise program of free tuition.
The LACCD colleges include Los Angeles City College; East Los Angeles College; Los Angeles Harbor College; Los Angeles Mission College; Los Angeles Pierce College; Los Angeles Southwest College; Los Angeles Trade-Technical College; Los Angeles Valley College and West Los Angeles College.
About the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD)
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 90,000 students annually through its four colleges. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for university transfer and good-paying careers. The credit colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields such as Health Information Management, Cyber Defense and Analysis, and Public Safety Management. San Diego College of Continuing Education, a statewide leader in noncredit education, offers free, adult education programs at seven campuses throughout San Diego.