Success Stories

Overview

Success Stories

The California Student Aid Commission aims to help students achieve their goals.

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Zenaida Huerta

Zenaida Huerta

Having financial aid meant that I was able to attend my top choice college, Claremont McKenna College. Attending a private college has opened so many doors for me. Thanks to my financial aid package, I was able to go to CMC and reach opportunities achieved through small class sizes, research and internship grants, and close relationships with my professors.

– Zenaida Huerta

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Picture of Sertan Usanmaz Cal Grant recipient

Sertan Usanmaz

My brothers and I are quadruplets and we come from a low-income immigrant family background. We migrated over to the State of California with our parents in search of a better life and a western education. We are first generation college graduates and our education would not have been in any way possible if it hadn’t been for the Cal Grant A, B and C awards! The Cal Grant A covered almost all of my tuition at the University of California, Davis (UCD), and my brothers received the Cal Grant C at American River College which then converted over into a Cal Grant B when they transferred over to Sacramento State University. My brothers and I are very fortunate to have been able obtain a 4-year degree at very minimal out-of-pocket cost. I’m very thankful to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for helping us finance our degrees! I’m using mine to pursue a career in public service to better serve our great State! I currently work on affordable housing policy in the California State Treasurer’s Office (STO) but I am also very passionate about higher education policy and financial aid reform. I am looking forward to working with our Governor-elect Gavin Newsom and CSAC to expand financial aid funding in order to provide greater access and equity to all students!
 

– Sertan Usanmaz

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Picture of Gael Lagunas Cal Grant recipient and college graduate

Gael Lagunas

Receiving a Cal Grant has been a tremendous help throughout my college career. It has primarily helped me pay for essential student needs and finances such as books and tuition. This is very helpful for a student because without paying tuition you can’t go to school; it is as simple as that. However, of all my expenses, I would say that I am grateful that the Cal Grant was able to pay for part of my dream to study abroad in Israel. This unforgettable experience was one that has contributed greatly to my college experience, and put me on the path of learning my fourth and fifth languages.