Cash for College program helps students with financial aid

By Aaron Andrews

On Jan. 5 and Jan. 13, parents and students sat in front of the computers in the library at Helix Charter High School to take the first steps in finding the money to pay for higher education by attending the Cash for College workshops.

The Cash for College workshops were conducted by the San Diego and Imperial Counties California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) with the goal to help students complete the application process to access financial aid for college or career/technical training beyond high school.

Students use computers at the Helix Charter High School library to apply for financial aid at a Cash for College event in January. (Courtesy of Senator Joel Anderson’s office) — Students in the Helix Charter High School library prepare financial aid forms at a Cash for College event in early January. (Courtesy of Senator Joel Anderson’s office)

The workshop facilitators gave parents and students one-on-one guidance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA correctly and accurately is important when applying for any financial aid, especially programs that are needs-based. The Cal-SOAP facilitators answered various questions and helped parents and students take this important step preparing to attend college.

“We are here to grow some kids,” exclaimed Linda Doughty, the director of San Diego and Imperial Counties Cal-SOAP and the regional coordinator for Cash for College.

California State Senator Joel Anderson partnered with the San Diego and Imperial Counties Cal-SOAP and provided resources at the workshop.

“The Cash for College workshops that Linda and her team facilitate are beneficial for my constituents who are planning to attend college to get higher education and career opportunities. I am grateful they are hosting many workshops in the district and hope our community members take advantage of them,” said Anderson.

Enrique Chavez, one of the parents who attended the workshop did not attend college. He was thrilled his son was helped with completing the FAFSA. “

“[I am] from Mexico. English is a second language,” Chavez said. “She [Margarita Perez, a facilitator] was able to speak to me and help me fill out the FASFA.”

There are several more upcoming “Cash for College” workshops and they can be found at sandiegocalsoap.com/star/Events.

––Aaron Andrews is a legislative intern for Senator Joel Anderson, a student at Alliant International University and a retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant.