CA SB228

Lowers the age threshold for foster youth eligibility from 16th birthday to 13th birthday for priority enrollment in California State University, community colleges, and University of California campuses.

Expands the definition of eligible courts to include tribal courts in addition to state courts when establishing or continuing dependency status for foster youth.

Authorizes the Cooperating Agencies Foster Youth Educational Support Program to provide direct financial support to eligible enrolled students before courses commence if they have completed matriculation activities and services are necessary for academic success.

Requires community college regulations to ensure program application and enrollment processes are streamlined without barriers to entry, and allows programs to waive income criteria while prioritizing income-eligible students.

Adds tribal representatives and tribal organization representatives as authorized verifiers of homeless status for American Indian students seeking priority enrollment benefits.