Compton College was awarded $80 million for the construction of student housing on its campus and will receive the check during its Community Day on April 22.
Assemblyman Mike Gipson will present the check that will be used to build a four-story, 250-bed, low-income student housing facility.
On June 26, 2022, California lawmakers moved to include a student housing grant totaling $80,389,000 in the 2022-2023 State Budget for the Compton Community College District (CCCD) to build its proposed 250-bed student housing facility on the Compton College campus.
The grant funds are made possible under Assembly Bill 183 – Higher Education Trailer Bill.
In 2021, the Compton Community College District prepared a Compton College Student Housing Proposal and submitted an application and supporting documentation to the California Department of Finance for the student housing grant.
“Having this grant approved is a dream come true as it will provide a crucial resource for Compton College students, many of whom face housing insecurity,” said Sonia Lopez, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees president.
The proposed Compton College student housing will be located at the northeast corner of campus. Phase one of the 86,000-square-foot building will include four floors of affordable student living quarters with 100 percent occupancy earmarked for eligible low-income students. The facility will provide three types of living configurations: 50 double-room units with access to shared bathrooms and common spaces, 50 double-suite units with bathrooms and access to common spaces, and 50 studio units for single occupants for a combined total of 250 beds. Amenity spaces will include study areas/lounges, and shared kitchens. Phase two of this student housing project will include an additional 200 beds with a mix of double and single occupancy units.
The planned Compton College housing project utilizes a prefabricated modular design and includes a series of unit types intended to support a variety of living situations. Prefabricated modular construction is recommended to expedite completion, limit disruption on campus, and create a model, or kit of parts, that can be replicated at other California Community Colleges.
Compton College serves as a pathway for many students to improve their financial status through education. Having student housing on campus supports students’ ability to be more focused on education and career goals, offers a safe environment for student well-being, and helps create and foster a sense of independence for students. Additionally, on-campus student housing gives Compton College an opportunity to better support marginalized and impacted groups such as foster youth, veterans, and formerly incarcerated students, all of whom report high percentages of basic needs insecurities.
It is estimated construction could begin on the Compton College student housing facility in the summer of 2023.