By Colette Hadley, Senior Director of Consulting Services
Read time: Two minutes
A huge kudos to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), California’s leader in administering student financial aid for college, for jumping in quickly with a useful and proactive plan to educate
stakeholders and practitioners in the state on the Better Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) updates and changes. CSAC has assertively set out a summer/fall schedule beginning August 28 with more than 50 intensive, free in-person training sessions for school counselors, nonprofit service providers, college advisors, and others in a comprehensive manner. In addition, CSAC
will maintain virtual sessions on a variety of dates for those who need them. Because of the many changes to terminology, methodology, and processes in the Better FAFSA opening in December 2023, it is critical that everyone who helps students complete
FAFSAs receive training.
CSAC manages a number of state aid programs for undergraduate and graduate students, both at community colleges and four-year institutions, and leads the way in financial aid outreach in the state through funding 16 place-based consortiums called Cal-SOAP
(California Student Opportunity and Access Program) projects. In addition, CSAC welcomes students from all backgrounds to apply for grants by managing the CA Dream Act program focusing on undocumented student needs.
CSAC is a 15-member state Commission that includes 11 commissioners appointed by the Governor representing five members from the various higher education segments, three members from the general public, two student members, and one member from the secondary
schools. Two commissioners are appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly representing the general public and two commissioners are appointed by the Senate Rules Committee representing the general public. The Commission is led by Executive Director
Marlene L. Garcia.
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