Last week, WWAD’s California Policy Directors @tanaya.safi and @alex.mcraeee testified to the Committee on Higher Education in support of AB2422, a bill pushing for protections that keep college students enrolled and supported when financial aid is delayed for reasons outside their control. As of 2024, 1 in 4 students say that FAFSA delays affected their ability to stay enrolled in their current programs, jeopardizing their ability to stay in classes and maintain access to student resources. WWAD’s AB2422, introduced with State Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, aims to change that by requiring universities to extend enrollment deadlines and refrain from imposing punitive consequences on students. To learn more and watch their testimony, visit the link in our bio!

In partnership with Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-26], WWAD is proud to co-sponsor SB 1160: Eviction Data Reporting. Evictions affect hundreds of thousands of Californians every year, yet the data needed to address this crisis is fragmented and inaccessible. You cannot fix what you cannot see — SB 1160 would required the Judicial Council to collect publicly available data on evictions and unlawful detainer cases, helping California develop stronger housing policy. Follow @whatwealldeserve for updates on SB 1160 and other efforts advancing housing justice in California. Sources: 1. Public Policy Institute of California (2025). “Evictions in California Have Leveled Off, with Upticks in Some Counties.” 2. SB 1160: Judicial Council: eviction data reporting.

AB 2422 is a bill written by youth, for youth. WWAD's California Policy Team is thrilled to announce that, in collaboration with Assembly Member Caloza (D-52), WWAD-written bill AB 2422 has been introduced in the California State Assembly for the 2025-2026 session 🌟 When administrative issues cause financial aid delays, it is students who pay the price. AB 2422 would require higher education institutions in California to extend enrollment and financial aid deadlines for students with financial aid awards that are delayed due to factors outside of their control. No student should have to worry about education being put on hold. Follow @whatwealldeserve for updates on the bill’s status and learn how you can support youth-driven policy change. Sources: 1. Public Policy Institute of California (2025). “College Enrollment under California’s New Financial Aid Application Policy.” 2. AB-2422 Student financial aid: delayed financial aid awards: extensions.

In 2025, we pushed for policy change, showed up for our communities, and proved that young people are done waiting for permission to shape the systems that govern our futures. Sounds like music to our ears 🌟 🎧🌟

Our team members have been busy making change, both within WWAD and beyond. Swipe to learn more!

And, our team wouldn’t be complete without our wonderful managers! We are beyond proud to announce our 2026 California, Texas, and Social Media staff ⭐️⭐️

Change can’t happen alone. These are the organizers, builders, and voices turning our big ideas into action—meet the WWAD 2026 Executive Board ✨✨

On November 1, 42 million people (including 16 million children) are expected to lose Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps. Two federal judges ruled, in a statement on Friday, that the USDA’s plan to not pay out food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown was “unlawful,” but did not issue a restraining order forcing the Trump Administration to rely on contingency funds to support recipients, leaving the future of the program unclear. If this goes into effect, it would trigger an unprecedented national hunger crisis for the 1 in 8 Americans relying on this support. Young people see what’s happening, and we won’t stand by while our basic rights are stripped from us. Call your Congressional representatives to demand they stop stalling. Vote, if you can. Take action to support your community by donating or volunteering with a food bank. Swipe to learn more and develop a plan of action 🔗➡️