Nearly half of MiraCosta College students reported they cannot afford basic needs like food, housing, transportation and childcare this fall.
Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, the college's new superintendent/president, shared that figure during his first community address Oct. 19 at the annual Community Leaders Breakfast at the Westin Carlsbad Resort in Carlsbad. Forty-three percent of students said they struggled with basic expenses, an 8% increase over the previous year, according to the college. The college did not name the survey behind the figure.
The data anchored a broader presentation themed "Momentum," which drew more than 300 business leaders, educators, elected officials and community partners.
Johnson joined MiraCosta in August after leading Imperial Valley Community College. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with more than 29 years in educational leadership, he told the audience he sees his role as expanding opportunity.
"My mission is not simply to maintain MiraCosta's reputation for excellence, but to build on that excellence, expand opportunities for our students, and position MiraCosta College as an even greater force for social and economic mobility," Johnson said in a statement released by the college.
The new president is a first-generation college student. He sat onstage with Student Trustee Mily Patton and Associated Student Government President Thiago Barranco for a conversation about student life.
Patton, who is preparing to transfer into aerospace engineering, credited programs including the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program and a NASA Space Grant internship with shaping her path. Barranco described gaining the confidence to pursue an internship in San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria's office after initially feeling intimidated competing against students from San Diego State University and UC San Diego.
Both students highlighted campus support services including counseling, textbook assistance and the MiraCosta Promise book voucher program.
Foundation raises record support
The MiraCosta College Foundation reported raising more than $4 million and providing financial support to more than 1,500 students last year, a record for the organization.
The Foundation's Resilience Fund covers unexpected expenses for housing, transportation or healthcare. In spring 2026, 89% of students who received that emergency support stayed enrolled, compared with 77% who did not.
The gap matters. It suggests emergency aid helps keep students on track toward degrees and certificates.
The Foundation honored Drs. Janice and Matthias Kurth as Philanthropists of the Year. The couple, whose careers span medicine, research and pharmaceutical consulting, have committed a planned estate gift to fund need-based scholarships for future MiraCosta students. Janice Kurth is an emeritus member of the Foundation Board of Directors.
Dance students Elijah Brown and Alessandra Callejas closed the breakfast with a performance. MiraCosta serves communities across North San Diego County, including Encinitas through its San Elijo campus.
