August 13, 2025 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office’s 
ICanGoToCollege.com campaign and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) are joining forces to urge current and prospective community college students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the September 2 Cal Grant deadline. Missing this deadline could mean missing out on state-based grants, scholarships and other non-repayable funds that make college accessible and affordable.
“Financial aid is a game-changer for so many of our students, opening doors to higher education that might otherwise remain closed,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “Financial stability is often the foundation for student success, which is why it’s so important that community college students file for financial aid before the upcoming deadline. We want students to know support is available and we’re committed to breaking down barriers so that all have a fair shot at achieving their goals.”
CSAC offers free Cash for College workshops, providing invaluable assistance with completing financial aid applications. These workshops are available both in-person and online, offering students and families the latest information and expert guidance on the FAFSA and CADAA, as well as step-by-step instructions for students and parents on how to fill out their financial aid applications. During the webinar, participants can ask questions and get tailored support with their applications. High school seniors and their parents or guardians as well as emancipated minors, current and former foster youth, and new and returning community college students of any age are encouraged to attend.
“The California Student Aid Commission knows that students and future learners can achieve their educational dreams in California,” said California Student Aid Commission Executive Director Daisy Gonzales. “The September 2 deadline is a lifeline to make college affordable for students seeking to enroll in a California community college for the 2025-26 academic year. We urge students and families to complete their financial aid application and attend our free Cash for College Workshops if you need help. So, apply today, help others apply and share your success story with us to inspire California. Together we can reach every student, every family and region of our state.”
Students can visit the multi-lingual ICanGoToCollege.com website to enroll at a California community college and get directly connected to their local college financial aid office for support. The website offers links to the FAFSA and CADAA and information about the programs, resources, and support available for community college students. The website is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog
Visit the California Student Aid Commission’s website at https://www.csac.ca.gov/apply to learn how to apply for financial aid. Students can access specific resources for financial aid for undocumented students, financial aid for mixed-status families, and get information on in-person Cash for College Workshops or the Statewide Virtual Cash for College Workshops. Some virtual workshops will include interpreters for Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking families.
About the California Community Colleges
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to improve student success, our communities and our planet. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
About the California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission currently serves over 610,000 students and administers the state’s $3 billion portfolio of student financial aid programs and services, including the Cal Grant, the Middle-Class Scholarship and the California Dream Act Application. The Commission serves as a resource for policymakers and the public on college affordability and financing issues, and advocates for policy changes to eliminate cost as a barrier to any qualified California student pursuing a higher education. Visit our website at www.csac.ca.gov or follow us on social media by clicking on our Link Tree.
Source: CEC
