For Students
Virtual Programming
L.A. Cash for College is hosting a free series of financial aid, college prep and career workshops open to students, families and community members throughout Los Angeles County. These virtual events are geared toward high school students and first-year, first-generation college students who need more guidance on navigating the college process or parents and caregivers looking to create a college-going environment at home. L.A. Cash for College is a "one-stop" opportunity for all students and families to make an early commitment to college. Qualifying participants have the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship!
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP
Financial Aid Completion Workshops
Between October and June, L.A. Cash for College helps to coordinate FREE financial aid completion workshops throughout the Los Angeles area as part of a statewide campaign to increase awareness of and access to student financial aid programs. These hands-on workshops help students navigate financial aid application forms so that they can obtain the financial support needed to pursue their college dreams.
LEARN MORE
Workshop Resources
View workshop documents and resources to help you apply for financial aid. Students and their families can learn more about financial aid opportunities and the financial aid application process. This page will be regularly updated with new resources.
VIEW RESOURCES
Scholarship Opportunities
L.A. Cash for College program participants have the chance to win one of several $1,000 scholarships. Contact Maria Marquez Alvarez to learn more.
Get Involved
Become a Volunteer or Workshop Organizer
With the support of volunteers and organizers like you, L.A. Cash for College is able to serve local area students through virtual and in-person financial aid and college-readiness workshops year round.
Volunteer for a Financial Aid Completion Workshop
Between October and June, L.A. Cash for College helps to coordinate FREE financial aid completion workshops throughout the Los Angeles area as part of a statewide campaign to increase awareness of and access to student financial aid programs. These workshops help students navigate financial aid application forms so that they can obtain the financial support needed to pursue their college dreams. Volunteers are needed to support workshop organizers and attendees (student applicants and their guardians). Volunteer roles vary from general volunteers to forms assistance to presenters.
Host a Workshop
L.A. Cash for College partners with schools and organizations to host Financial Aid Completion Workshops throughout the financial aid application season. By becoming a workshop organizer, you can help us ensure low-income, first-generation, college-bound students are receiving the support they need to apply for all possible financial aid.
Volunteer for our Virtual Programming
L.A. Cash for College is hosting a free series of financial aid, college prep and career workshops open to students, families and community members throughout Los Angeles County. These virtual events are geared toward high school students and first-year, first-generation college students who need more guidance on navigating the college process or parents and caregivers looking to create a college-going environment at home. Volunteer opportunities are available for workshops throughout the school year, including sharing your expertise as a workshop presenter or college exhibitor.
For College Access Professionals & School Faculty
Are You Up to Date on the Changes Impacting Financial Aid This Year?
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is hosting free workshops for high school counselors, student advocates, outreach specialists and other community education partners to receive relevant financial aid training they can use to support their students.
Financial Aid Completion Workshops
Do you need help applying for financial aid?
Between October and June, L.A. Cash for College helps to coordinate FREE financial aid completion workshops throughout the Los Angeles area as part of a statewide campaign to increase awareness of and access to student financial aid programs. These workshops help students navigate financial aid application forms so that they can obtain the financial support needed to pursue their college dreams.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Driver's license, if you have one
- Social Security Card or number, if you have one
- Alien registration number, if you have one
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - yours or your parents'
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) number, if you have one
- List of colleges you are interested in attending
- Parents' Federal Income Tax Return form, if applicable*
- Parents' W2s and other records of money earned, if applicable*
- Student's Federal Income Tax Return form, if filed
- Student's W2s and other records of money earned
- Current bank statements, records of investments and assets
Complete this handout to help you get ready to file the FAFSA!
*Students who were in foster care, or were a dependent or ward of the court, at least one day after the age of 13 may qualify for “Independent Status” for the purposes of the FAFSA and the CA Dream Act and do not need to report their parent or guardian’s information. Neither legal guardians nor foster parents are considered parents when completing the FAFSA or CA Dream Act.
WHO QUALIFIES:
All high school seniors and college students who need help applying for financial aid!
Remember: The FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application must be completed by March 2 to receive priority consideration for state and federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study opportunities.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER OR HOST A WORKSHOP:
Volunteers are needed to support workshop organizers and attendees (student applicants and their guardians) and host workshops.
Sign up for a Financial Aid Completion Workshop!
Visit www.cash4college.org* to find the Financial Aid Completion Workshop nearest to you, and get free help completing your FAFSA, CA Dream Act application or Chafee Grant application. *A list of upcoming workshops can be found in the left-hand column.