CA AB132

Establishes the California Cradle-to-Career Data System to connect education, workforce, and health data across state agencies, with a governing board and managing entity to provide actionable data and research on education and employment outcomes.

Requires grade 12 students to complete and submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application unless they opt out, with Student Aid Commission adopting model forms by July 1, 2022.

Creates Basic Needs Coordinators and Centers at each California Community College campus by July 1, 2022 to address student housing, food, and mental health insecurity through centralized services and resources.

Modifies Cal Grant programs including establishing California Community College Expanded Entitlement Awards, reducing Competitive Cal Grant awards from 41,000 to 13,000 annually, and adding support for foster youth and former foster youth students.

Appropriates $2.452 billion to various education segments for programs including $115 million for zero-textbook-cost degrees, $100 million for student retention, $100 million for food and housing insecurity, and additional funds for community college basic needs and workforce development initiatives.