Helping California Students Find Ways to Pay for College

What Are Cash For College Workshops?

Cash For College is a statewide program that brings together local schools, college financial aid experts, and community organizations to provide college-bound high school seniors and their families hands-on help applying for financial aid. Parents and students complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at these workshops to start the process of qualifying for financial aid.

Workshops are held throughout the state between October and March. Cash For College events are usually held at local high schools or colleges on evenings or weekends.

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important part of the financial aid qualification process. It is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute toward the cost of attending a college, community college, technical, or vocational school, and whether a student qualifies for financial assistance through grants, loans, or work study programs.

To be eligible for any federal and state grants, loans, or work study programs, a student must submit a FAFSA. Many private colleges and other organizations that grant private scholarships or other forms of financial aid also require students to submit a FAFSA.

Where can you find a Cash For College Workshop?

Click on this link to find Cash For College workshops near you. New workshops are added daily.

Find out more about applying for state and federal financial aid on these websites:

• California Student Aid Commission – Learn about major state financial aid programs, including Cal Grants and scholarships.

• Office of Federal Student Aid – Learn about grants, loans, and work study options, AmeriCorps awards, military tuition benefits, and vouchers for current and former foster children sponsored by the federal government.

• The College Board – Use online tools for college planning and find ways to pay for college.