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-Editorial
As the September 3 deadline for financial aid applications rapidly approaches, urgency is mounting among California Community College students to secure the financial support needed for the upcoming academic year. Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media recently collaborated with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to host a statewide media briefing, aimed at raising awareness of this critical deadline. The event served as a platform to emphasize the importance of applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
California Community Colleges represent the largest system of higher education in the United States, serving over 1.9 million students. This student body is notably diverse, with more than 70% coming from various ethnic backgrounds and 48% identifying as Hispanic. However, many of these students face significant economic challenges—65% are classified as Perkins Economically Disadvantaged. Despite the availability of financial aid through programs like the California Dream Act, application rates among undocumented students remain alarmingly low. The media briefing sought to address this issue by providing clear information and guidance, ensuring that all eligible students, particularly those from disadvantaged or undocumented backgrounds, have access to the resources they need to continue their education.
Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of CSAC, delivered a passionate and urgent message during the briefing. She underscored the importance of the September 3 deadline, calling it a “lifeline” for students planning to attend California community colleges in the 2024-2025 academic year. “Financial aid is the most important ingredient for student success in higher education,” Dr. Gonzales stated, urging students and their families to act swiftly.
Dr. Gonzales began her address by engaging directly with the audience, encouraging CSAC staff to respond to questions in real time via the chat function. Her speech was not only a call to action but also a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the partner organizations involved, including the Student Senate for California Community Colleges and Immigrants Rising. She clarified CSAC’s role as the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for California students, emphasizing the agency’s mission to make post-secondary education financially accessible to all Californians.
Drawing on her own life experiences, Dr. Gonzales shared her journey as a former Cal Grant and Chafee Grant recipient. “My journey began as a foster youth in Los Angeles, California,” she recounted. “Receiving a Cal Grant and Chafee Youth Grant allowed me to access higher education, starting from Los Angeles Valley College at age 15, and eventually earning my master’s and PhD from the University of California.” Her story highlighted the transformative power of financial aid and the opportunities it can unlock.
Dr. Gonzales acknowledged the recent challenges faced by students applying for financial aid, including a new federal application process that has caused difficulties for some. Despite these hurdles, she expressed optimism about the potential to assist students and families in navigating the financial aid landscape. “Our goal is to encourage all families and students, especially those from immigrant families or mixed-status households, to complete their financial aid applications,” she said.
She also addressed the concerns of undocumented students and their families, assuring them that their information would remain safe and confidential. CSAC, she noted, has dedicated resources to support these students, including toolkits and webinars designed to guide them through the application process. “We believe your dreams are possible,” Dr. Gonzales affirmed, highlighting the availability of a call center to answer any questions students might have.
Dr. Gonzales concluded her remarks with a call to action for community organizations, educators, and advocates. She urged them to disseminate information about the September 3 deadline and to assist students in completing their financial aid applications. “Please visit csac.ca.gov and encourage all students who want to attend California community colleges this fall to apply for financial aid by September 3,” she said. “Together, we can ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to achieve their educational goals.”
Ivan Hernandez, President of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, also spoke at the briefing, providing a student’s perspective on the critical role of advocacy and the challenges faced by many within the higher education system. His address underscored the importance of the Student Senate’s efforts in policy advocacy and support for over two million community college students across California.
Hernandez shared his journey, detailing his experiences growing up in Mexico before moving to the United States at age 14. “I was very lucky to be born in the U.S., but I lived the majority of my life in Mexico. I moved back to California to pursue higher education and to access medical treatment for leukemia, which was unavailable in Mexico,” Hernandez explained. His story highlighted the dual pressures of seeking educational advancement and needing critical medical care, both of which were only accessible in the U.S.
Despite the support Hernandez received, he candidly discussed the financial challenges he faced, noting that his family lacked the means to support his education. “My family doesn’t have the financial means to support my education, so I had to seek scholarships, grants, and financial aid on my own. Financial support has been a defining factor in my education, without which I doubt I could have continued,” he said.
This year, Hernandez described the process of applying for financial aid as particularly challenging, citing delays and difficulties with the FAFSA application. He recounted the stress and uncertainty that many students experience during this process. “I recently submitted my FAFSA application after months of waiting and stress. It was an ordeal that I hope others will avoid,” he said.
Hernandez also highlighted the invaluable assistance he received from CSAC in expediting his application process. “I was fortunate to have a connection with Dr. Gonzales, who helped me navigate the process. It took just two hours once I received the right support,” he noted.
Hernandez addressed common concerns that may deter students from applying for financial aid, including fears about disclosing personal information, misconceptions about eligibility, and the perceived complexity of the application process. “Many students worry that revealing their parents’ lack of social security numbers could lead to legal issues, or they may not believe they’ll receive any financial aid at all,” he explained. He urged students to apply regardless of these concerns, noting that financial aid can cover not just tuition but also essential needs like books, housing, and transportation.
In response to questions about support for students with children, Hernandez acknowledged the unique challenges faced by single parents and stressed the availability of resources. He noted that community colleges often provide childcare and other support services, but that communication about these resources can be lacking. “Understanding and accessing these benefits can be difficult, especially for non-traditional students and those balancing family responsibilities,” Hernandez said.
He emphasized the importance of seeking help and staying informed. “We are here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and remember that resources are available to help you succeed,” he urged.
