Three thousand students in Kern County will be pushed away from affordable education next fall. And 200,000 students in California will be set back from opportunity, unable to achieve their education and career goals.

All of this will happen because of a state budget deficit that is expected to increase community colleges’ per unit cost to $24 and cut Bakersfield College’s budget by $6 million.

Bakersfield College doesn’t get to keep student tuition to better our programs. Instead, it goes straight to our state’s general fund. Our state government then determines how much money will be given back to the colleges. And for community colleges, that isn’t much.

According to Michele Bresso, BC head of marketing and public relations, although kindergarten students do not pay for their education, their schools receive more money per student from the state than community colleges, which are attended by students who pay hundreds of dollars for their educations.

In fact, the state only gives community colleges a percent of the money promised per student.

Unlike community colleges, UCs and CSUs have the power to raise and lower their own fees, which offsets budget cuts.

But BC’s tuition increase will go right back to the state.

So what is going to happen to high school graduates not able to afford four years of college? How will mothers coming off of welfare learn to support their families?

Next year, they will have fewer course choices, fewer programs and fewer teachers.

No one can turn back time and stop California’s budget deficit. But there is something everybody can do to let the legislators know that the students at Bakersfield College are angry.

So what will you do to be heard?

Will you write a letter to your state legislator telling them how the budget crisis affects you?

Do not let your voice go unheard. It’s time for students to scream, shout and raise hell.