News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CSAC Contact: Shelveen Ratnam 916 201-3405
Office Email: shelveen.ratnam@csac.ca.gov

“The Governor and legislative leaders have shown their commitment to making college affordable for 
students and understand that investing in students will always provide a strong return for 
California.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 12, 2023 – The California Student Aid Commission applauds Governor Newsom and the Legislature for their shared commitment to college affordability reflected in the 2023-24 State Budget. The budget reflects the importance of investing in California’s students and how critical it is to continue to expand access to financial aid. Additionally, the budget provides additional resources to the Commission to better support our efforts to bring financial aid to students.

The 2023-24 State Budget maintains the state’s significant investments in financial aid, which includes $2.3 billion for the Cal Grant program and over $860 million for Middle Class Scholarships. The final budget agreement also includes:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jake Brymner (916) 531-6847
Office Email: Jake.Brymner@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 12, 2023 – The California Student Aid Commission commends Governor Newsom’s commitment to college affordability reflected in the May Revision released today. Despite challenging state revenue forecasts, the Governor’s May Revision proposal upholds California’s efforts to making higher education opportunities accessible and affordable, while also providing needed capacity to support the Commission’s work toward this goal.

The Governor’s May Revision includes proposals to:

• Allocate $6 million in one-time federal funding toward additional awards for aspiring special education teachers through the Golden State Teacher Grant Program
• Provide the Commission with four new staff positions to support program implementation, outreach efforts, and engagement with external partners.
• Increase funding for the Cash for College Program by just over $100,000 to offer assistance to students and families applying for financial aid through free workshops across the state.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916 206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., January 19, 2023 – The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is proud to collaborate with the Golden State Warriors Community Foundation and the California Department of Education on the release of a public service announcement (PSA) speaking to importance of students applying for financial aid.

This message is part of CSAC’s “All in for FAFSA/CA Dream Act” campaign, an initiative to support implementation of Assembly Bill 469, which established a new expectation that California high schools and school districts ensure all 12th graders complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), unless the student formally submits an opt-out waiver. The goal of “All In for FAFSA/CA Dream Act” is to expand access to financial aid to thousands of students who may have otherwise not been aware of these opportunities. California is only one of seven states in the country to implement this type of requirement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Judith Gutierrez 916 201-3786
judith.gutierrez@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif. October 5, 2022 – The California Student Aid Commission celebrated the launch of the 2023-24 financial aid applications and its new “All in for FAFSA/CA Dream Act Application” initiative at Orange Vista High School on October 4, in partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education and Val Verde Unified School District.

As of October 1, California has officially joined seven other states implementing a universal financial aid application completion requirement for high school seniors. In the 2021-22 State Budget Act, California adopted a new policy that starting in the 2022-23 academic year, local education agencies, including charter schools, are required to confirm that all high school seniors have completed a financial aid application, expanding access to financial aid to thousands of students who may have otherwise not been aware of this opportunity. Students can apply for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jake Brymner 916-531-6847
jake.brymner@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 13, 2022 – The Student Aid Commission applauds Governor Newsom’s Budget proposals to chart a course for higher education through historic compacts with the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community Colleges (CCC). Governor Newsom’s focus on setting clear goals for degree and credential attainment, as well as closing the persistent equity gaps faced by low-income, Black, and Latino students, will help guide student-centered investments and initiatives in higher education.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jake Brymner 916-531-6847
jake.brymner@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 8, 2022

A third of all postsecondary students in California experience food insecurity. Early in the pandemic, this number grew even more worrisome—about 7 in 10 students lost some, or all, of their income that was a source for securing basic needs, such as nutritional food.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

”We know that students and families are accessing information differently, but that the need for financial aid to make higher education attainable is just as great. Our podcast and other new outreach initiatives we are undertaking will help us reach a wider audience of students, parents, educators, and community partners as we spread the message about the availability of financial aid and how to pay for college”

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 02, 2021 – As the pandemic forced people to stay indoors, one thing was made very clear, the need to communicate virtually with each other is not only needed, but here to stay beyond COVID-19. One of the most creative ways in which people have been engaging with their audiences is in the form of podcasts. According to Vulture Magazine, “28% of the total U.S. population, or an estimated 80 million Americans, can now be considered habitual weekly podcast listeners, up from 24% the year before.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., October 28th, 2021 –- A high school counselor from the Central Valley, Mr. Yia Le, has been selected as the winner of the 2020-21 Arthur S. Marmaduke High School Counselor Award for outstanding achievements in high school counseling. Mr. Yia Le is a high school counselor serving his 6th year at McLane High School in Fresno, California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Tues., July 13, 2021 – The California Student Aid Commission applauds Governor Newsom and the Legislature for historic investments in students and expansion of the Cal Grant in the 2021-22 State Budget. The 2021-22 State Budget eliminates Cal Grant eligibility restrictions based on age and time out of high school for students at community colleges, making thousands of additional students eligible for financial aid – an enormous step in making higher education affordable for all students in California.

“The expansion of access to the Cal Grant is truly groundbreaking, particularly for adult and returning learners seeking higher education,” said Marlene Garcia, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “These changes are pivotal to supporting overall success and ability to upskill and reskill. A financial aid system that focuses on financial need – not age or time since high school graduation – will make college possible for more students than ever before in California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 14, 2021 – The California Student Aid Commission applauds Governor Newsom’s new Budget proposals to support displaced workers in accessing higher education, as well as programs to promote college affordability and public service. The unprecedented budgetary resources provide an opportunity for policymakers to simplify and expand the state’s signature student financial aid program, the Cal Grant.

“These proposed investments reflect an understanding about the important role that financial aid plays in helping make higher education attainable, as well as fostering a talented workforce and inclusive economic recovery,” said Marlene Garcia, Executive Director of the Commission. “Additionally, by adopting the Cal Grant Equity Framework proposed by the Commission, we can also simplify and expand the Cal Grant program to ensure a ‘California Comeback’ for our students and economy.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 1, 2021 – State Senator Monique Limón introduced Senate Bill (SB) 737 on which would update and modernize the functions and priorities of the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP). This bill seeks to improve financial aid literacy and access among underserved college students by helping students and families understand the true costs of college, their financing options (e.g., grants, scholarships, student loans, and work opportunities), and assisting them with the completion of financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 18, 2021 – The California Student Aid Commission (Commission) applauds Assembly members Jose Medina and Kevin McCarty for introducing a resolution declaring February as Financial Aid Awareness Month. This resolution comes at a time when many students across California face great financial uncertainty about their future and educational opportunities due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This resolution sends a clear message to students and families that California recognizes the importance of not only making higher education accessible, but also affordable.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: prensasac@sre.gob.mx

Sacramento, CA – (2021) – “This year’s virtual Pasos a la Universidad is expected to attract thousands of students and their families,” said Liliana Ferrer, Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento. She added, “There will be representatives from the California Student Aid Commission as well as over 40 public and independent California colleges and universities, providing information on admission and financial aid processes.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
Michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 18, 2020 – As COVID-19 continues to disrupt educational experiences of students across the nation, newly analyzed survey research by the California Education Lab at the University of California, Davis details the high level of uncertainty and financial stress experienced by California high school seniors as they weighed their college plans amid an unfolding pandemic.

College Uncertainties: California High School Seniors in Spring of 2020 summarizes the results from a survey commissioned by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) that captured the perspectives of nearly 16,000 high school seniors who applied for college financial aid for the 2020-21 academic year. Researchers further analyzed the findings and released their analysis this week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
Michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 3rd, 2020 - The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) today released its latest spotlight brief on high credit card debt being accrued by college students, data newly extrapolated from its recent Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS.) The latest brief presents data and insight directly from students about how they utilize credit cards to afford college tuition, basic needs and other vital expenses.

The brief examines students’ responses by race and ethnicity, students who live on and off-campus and students with dependents.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285
Michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 25, 2020 – As California’s students continue to navigate the many layers of the current crisis — the global pandemic, digital learning, skyrocketing unemployment and an economic downturn — the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is reinventing traditional outreach programs to encourage more students to apply for financial aid beginning Oct. 1 and help them navigate the enormous challenges facing them today.

“Assuring that our students know various forms of aid are available is more crucial than ever, especially during this ongoing public health and economic crisis,” said CSAC Executive Director Marlene Garcia. “The Student Aid Commission is stepping up in new ways to support them now so that the most vulnerable Californians don’t lose out on their opportunity to obtain a higher education and economic mobility.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285 or
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 23, 2020 – The California Student Aid Commission today endorsed Proposition 16, a state constitutional amendment for voter consideration on the November ballot that would repeal Proposition 209 and the existing ban on the consideration of race, sex and ethnicity in public education, public employment and public contracting.

The unanimous vote from commissioners representing various institutions, organizations, and non-profits highlights the need to help address inequities in educational opportunity. Reinstating affirmative action will help reinforce the critical role the Commission plays in helping underrepresented students access higher education.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285 or
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 30, 2020 – The California Student Aid Commission commends Governor Newsom and the California legislature for supporting equity and access by protecting Cal Grant funding and financial aid that makes education beyond high school affordable for students across the state, especially in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

The 2020-21 Budget maintains the Cal Grant program without reductions to the number of grants available or amount of aid received by students, while also repurposing previously allocated funds to provide disaster relief aid to undocumented students at public colleges and universities who had been barred from accessing assistance provided under the CARES Act.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285 or
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 3, 2020 – The California Student Aid Commission is pleased to announce that it has added new talent to its portfolio as part of its ongoing commitment to making education beyond high school financially accessible to all Californians. The Commission has appointed Jake Brymner to serve as the new Director of Government and External Relations.

 Before joining the commission, Jake spent the last four years working for the Campaign for College Opportunity. Most recently, he served as the Campaign’s State and Federal Policy Director. Jake also serves as the Co-Director of New Leaders Council (NLC) – Sacramento. He is also the Co-Chair of the Talent and Education Task Force within the East Bay Leadership Council, as well as a volunteer and board member of The Alliance for Education Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Lemus 916-206-1285 or
michael.lemus@csac.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Updated May 15, 2020 – The California Student Aid Commission commended Governor Newsom’s commitment to funding Cal Grants for students attending public institutions and making education beyond high school financially accessible for students across California amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

“I am pleased that Governor Newsom is placing a high priority on college affordability by investing in students through financial aid,” said Marlene Garcia, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “The Commission supports all students with need and looks forward to working with the governor’s office, the legislature and all stakeholders as together we eliminate financial aid obstacles, especially those that have been exacerbated by COVID-19.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: David O’Brien 916-531-6847 or
david.obrien@csac.ca.gov

Sacramento, CA (Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020) – The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) invites members of the public to a special Commission meeting on February 20, 2020 at 1:00 pm in the State Capitol, Room 437. The Commission will discuss a proposal to modernize and reform the state Cal Grant program to ensure that all California college students can afford and access a higher education.

 Due to shifting student demographics and the rising costs of living, the original structure and design of the Cal Grant program–which is tuition-centric–falls short of advancing affordability for an increasing number of students. Furthermore, the Cal Grant program has become an overly complicated patchwork of eligibility requirements and programs that keeps many students from accessing the financial aid they need, forcing them to rely on excessive loan debt, and in some cases, forgoing food and housing security, in pursuit of a higher education.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Patti Colston 916-208-3844 or
patti.colston@csac.ca.gov

CONSULATE GENERAL OF MEXICO HOSTS STEPS TO COLLEGE 2020 
Latino High School Students from 24 Northern California Counties Are Invited to the 
College Financial Aid & Admissions Feria 

Sacramento, CA – (2020) – “This year’s Pasos a la Universidad is expected to attract 3,000 students and their families,” said Liliana Ferrer, Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento. She added, “There will be representatives from over 40 public and independent California colleges and universities providing information about their admission and financial aid processes. No other Mexican Consulate located in the United States offers the Mexican community an event like this one.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bryan Sapp 916-206-1285 or
Bryan.sapp@csac.ca.gov

Sacramento, CA (Thurs., Dec 5, 2019) – The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) released the first of several spotlight briefs on housing insecurity among college students based on its recent Student Expense and Resource Survey (SEARS). The first brief focuses specifically on a major obstacle for student success: housing.

This brief examines responses from students by segments, race and ethnicity, various region of the states, students who live on and off-campus and students with dependents.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bryan Sapp 916-206-1285 or
Bryan.sapp@csac.ca.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bryan Sapp 916-206-1285 or
Bryan.sapp@csac.ca.gov

STOCKTON, Calif. — A rally Tuesday at a Stockton high school kicked off the first day students can start applying for federal college aid.

Cheerleaders and the pep band welcomed the Stagg High School senior class as the students entered the event. The students then heard from educators and politicians about the importance of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bryan Sapp 916-206-1285 or
Bryan.sapp@csac.ca.gov

Sacramento, CA (Thurs., Sept 12, 2019) – The greatest obstacles to success in college are the costs of attending and achieving a school-work balance, according to a new student survey brief released by the California Student Aid Commission Thursday at its public meeting. 

The brief is an initial look at the survey findings and provides insight from students themselves into their experiences paying for college. For the first time in more than ten years, the Commission conducted its Student Expense and Resources Survey (SEARS) of students from all five segments of higher education in the state, which yielded up-to-date data from over 15,000 California college students.

SACRAMENTO — California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Chair Dr. Lande Ajose praised Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision budget for fiscal year 2019–20.

“The Governor’s budget makes a significant investment in making college more affordable for hundreds of thousands of low-income college students across the state. With nearly a 17 percent increase to the competitive Cal Grant program benefiting an additional 30,000 California students, CSAC is grateful for his commitment to making education beyond high school financially accessible for low-income Californians,” she said.

Sacramento, CA (2019) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that he has appointed California Student Aid Commissioner Catalina Cifuentes as Deputy Superintendent of the Performance, Planning, and Technology branch of the California Department of Education. Her branch oversees programs promoting innovation and improved student achievement, including statewide student assessment, school and district interventions, state and federal accountability, and the collection and reporting of educational data.

Sacramento, CA (2019) – The eighth annual Steps to College, a community education fair, will be held 10:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento on Saturday, February 2, 2019. The California Student Aid Commission (Commission) joins the Cien Amigos advocacy group, the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California, as well as other public and private institutions to bring this college readiness event to Sacramento.

Sacramento, CA (2018) – The California Student Aid Commission (Commission) and the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) in partnership with California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) have secured a new date for the first Black College Expo™ to be held in Sacramento, on January 26, 2019.

Due the fire in Butte County, Sac State made the decision to cancel the Black College Expo, originally scheduled on November 17, 2018. The university had closed its campus and cancelled classes and all outdoor activities during the week leading up to the event.

Press Release

Sacramento, Calif. – Tuesday, November 20, 2018 – Superintendent of Public Instruction elect Tony Thurmond today announced Lupita Cortez Alcalá as his pick for Chief Deputy Superintendent. Cortez Alcalá is the Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission, administering over $2 billion in financial aid, and is a prominent voice in the statewide discussion on college affordability and reform of financial aid.

Sacramento, CA (2018) –California State University, Sacramento has made the decision to cancel the Black College Expo™ scheduled for November 17, 2018, because of poor air quality related to the Camp Fire. The university closed its campus earlier this week and cancelled classes and all outdoor activities.

Sacramento, CA (2018) – Beginning this month and lasting through March 2, 2019 all high school seniors, college students, and their families can attend any of the more than 1,000 free Cash for College workshops throughout California.  These workshops offer assistance completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); California Dream Act (CADAA); Chafee Grant for Foster Youth; and Middle Class Scholarship applications.

Sacramento, CA (2018) – The California Student Aid Commission applauds Governor Jerry Brown for signing legislation that will ensure that high school students throughout California receive critical information about how to obtain financial aid to afford a college education.