A FIRST AMENDMENT PUBLICATION @roundupnews
Vol. CXLIII, Issue 3
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Pierce loses $1.2M in Hispanic-Serving Institutions grants Cuts by Department of Education could potentially result in staff layoffs By Zamourad Iqbal News Editor
P
ierce faces a $1.2 million shortfall in federal budget funds, as the Department of Education has announced plans to end grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) and other minority groups, which may lead to the layoffs of five Academic Affairs employees from the department. Pierce, as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, applies for funds not for specific demographics; it serves everyone, primarily for dual enrollment, according to Pierce President Ara Aguiar. “Five people are getting impacted by it,”Aguiar said. “We’re working to find ways to keep these individuals employed for at least a short period, so they’re not out of work, but can still apply for other positions and attend college. We will make every effort to avoid anyone losing their jobs.” Dean of Academic Affairs
Susan Rhi-Kleinert stated that the loss of funding is a significant issue. “It is detrimental for colleges and universities, especially in California, because we believe in open access and equal opportunities for everyone,” Rhi-Kleiner said. “Students come because they feel safe and can succeed, and we provide them with all the necessary resources to support their academic growth. When we don’t have this, it’s like we’re taking a lifeline.” Political Science Professor Denise Robb said that students who need the most help will be affected. “We’re already in the hole for millions of dollars,” Robb said. “If we don’t have programs to help, then the students will suffer; they won’t have
access to things like tutoring services and often require significant support, especially in community college. Students generally have jobs, many of them have children, and some are older and returning to school. They’re usually not wealthy at all and are on financial aid. If you take away any support services, you’re just going to hurt that population.” Aguiar also mentioned that Pierce College is seeking
opportunities to collaborate with LAUSD to find better opportunities for dual enrollment for high school students. “LAUSD and LACCD are attempting to
“When people say that some may not think it’s worth it, but it’s every bit worth it because when you see that the investment is pennies compared to what they have achieved and what they are doing and giving back.”
Photo Illustration by Calvin Henry
CAMPUS LIFE
NEWS
pg. 4 Construction update Calvin Henry / Roundup News
initiate collaboration and develop pathways for students, something we have long sought to do and have been working on for many years, Aguiar said.” “The opportunity arose for the grant. So, we applied for the grant because the focus of those federal government funds was on programs like dual enrollment. Grant provides us with a little bit of what they call seed money, essentially, to start the program. Once the grant money is gone, we then institutionalize.” Rhi-Kleinert said that when she looks back and sees the success story of the students who were part of the HSI grant.
pg. 6 Topanga Vintage Mall
SPORTS
Damian Celedon / Roundup News
pg. 8 Women’s volleyball falls to Moorpark
Abraham Elizalde / Roundup News