AB 101 (signed October 2021) requires all California high school students to complete one semester of ethnic studies as a graduation requirement, beginning with students graduating in the 2029-30 school year (Class of 2030). California is the first state in the nation to require ethnic studies for graduation. Schools must offer ethnic studies courses beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Students may satisfy the requirement through: (1) a course based on the State Board-approved Model Curriculum in Ethnic Studies (approved March 2021); (2) an existing district ethnic studies course; (3) an ethnic studies course approved under A-G requirements; or (4) a locally developed course approved by the governing board. The Model Curriculum covers four core foundational disciplines: African American Studies, Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies, Chicana/Chicano and Latina/Latino Studies, and Native American Studies. $50 million in state funding was released for curriculum development. Note: As of 2025, efforts to weaken the AB 101 requirement were underway in the Legislature (EdSource, 2025); verify current status.