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GUIDEBOOK2023-2024SCHOOL COUNSELORFINANCIAL AID

Assembly Bill 132 ………………………………………………………….……………..……23California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI).....………………….…………..…25Table of ContentsFAFSA Simplification Act: At a Glance ………………………..……….…………..……7FSA ID Basics ………………………………………………………………………………..........8FAFSA Step-by-Step …………………………………………………………..….………..……9Frequently Asked Questions …………………………………………………………...…10California “All In” for FAFSA and CADAA CampaignAssembly Bill 469…………………………..………………………….………………………..20All In! Campaign Details………………………………………………………..………...….21California Cradle-to-Career Data SystemFederal Student Aid (FSA) California Dream Act Application (CADAA) ………………………………..………..12CADAA Frequently Asked Questions ..………………………………………..…..…..13California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Introduction Better FAFSA, Better CADAA One-Stop Resource Shop: Current News & UpdatesTypes of Financial AidFederal Grants ……….…..………………………………….…………………….………..…..15California State Grants ………..………………………………………..…….………….….16Loans ..…..………………………………………………………..…………………………….…...17 Scholarships……………………..……………………………………………………………..….18Tracking FAFSA/CADAA Completion Rates CSAC Webgrants …………………………..……………………………………………….....27CSAC California Race to Submit Dashboard ……………..…………………..….28SDCOE San Diego Race to Submit Dashboard ……………..……………….….29Agency Partnerships: Programs and ResourcesGlossary of Acronyms and Terms

Introduction “This is important work to ensure all students have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education.”At the San Diego County Office of Education, we’re working toward an ambitious goal. Our North Star goal is to reduce the number of children living in poverty from 51 percent to 35 percent by the 2029 to 2030 school year. With nearly 500,000 school-aged children in the county, that means almost a quarter million of them have been identified as living in poverty. We know preparing them to enter and thrive in higher education is going to be key to achieving our North Star, and the work of school counselors is critical to the success of our students today and in the future. A post-secondary education starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). In San Diego we’ve seen our FAFSA/CADAA completion numbers go up. We’ve seen the work you do result in more students having the option to pursue their dreams after graduation. As a county, we had tremendous growth in 2023 ending at a 57% overall FAFSA and CADAA completion rate. This is up from 52% in 2022. We are still under the statewide completion rate of 61% but it is progress and I’m proud of the work we have done. In 2019, we started our San Diego County Race to Submit campaign, and in 2022, we launched our new dashboard to track completion rates across the county. Additionally, we introduced our new Fall Frenzy professional learning series for school counselors, which includes this one-stop shop resource guide, along with a calendar of in-person workshops, webinars, college fairs, and conferences on financial aid, career counseling for K through 8 students, and college admission updates. As we move ahead at improving the futures for our students and our region, we look forward to our continued partnership with all of you. This is important work to ensure all students have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. Dr. Paul Gothold San Diego County Superintendent of Schools

FUTURE ActBetter FAFSA, Better CADAAA “Better FAFSA, Better CADAA” Process Means a Better Future for EveryoneThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) process has changed to implement provisions of the FUTURE Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. At a high level, the FAFSA changes are a significant overhaul of the FAFSA system, including an updated FAFSA form, need analysis, and provisions to many of the policies and procedures used by schools.The FAFSA changes are being implemented in phases, with full implementation of major provisions in the 2024–25 award year. The changes will provide:➔ Streamlined application process➔ Expanded eligibility for federal student aid➔ New user experience for the FAFSA formThe new applications translate to shorter and simpler forms, increased eligibility for Pell Grants and Cal Grants, and a reduction in verification, allowing more students access to the financial aid they need to attend college. Due to the delayed start date of Dec. 31, 2023, priority deadline for completing and submitting the application for Cal Grant and Pell Grant eligibility has been extended to April 2, 2024. MORE INFORMATION● CSAC Special Alert: 2024-25 Better FAFSA / Better CADAA Update● CSAC Video: Important Changes to FAFSA & CADAA 2024-25● CSAC Resource Page: “Better FAFSA, Better CADAA”● Resources for Students and Families: Better FAFSA 1014

Current News and UpdatesResources to Stay In-the-Know❏ The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) ListservSubscribe to CSAC_LIST, and receive CSAC communications via e-mail during their regularly scheduled distribution.❏ SDCOE One-Stop Resource Shop With so many updates and changes to the Better FAFSA, Better CADAA, staying in-the-know can be challenging. The One-Stop Resource Shop is a new resource to provide districts with important updates to stay informed through the 2023-24 financial aid season. This resource is updated frequently with links to current news articles from local and national sources and organizations. 5

FAFSA Simplification ActFederal Student Aid (FSA)

7FAFSA Simplification Act At a Glance● A new Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).● Family size is aligned more with the tax return.● Expanding access for more students to Federal Pell Grants.● Streamline FAFSA form with data exchange system.● FSA: FAFSA Simplification resources● FSA: Launch of the 2024–25 FAFSA® form ● FSA: Youtube Channel with tutorial videos● NCAN: Better FAFSA Tools and Resources● The Education Trust: How FAFSA delays will impact students● SDUT Article: The New FAFSA is here: What San Diego families should know about applying for college financial aid● UCLA: FAFSA Simplification overview and helpful videos● Understanding FAFSA and Financial Aid guide ● SchoolHouse Connection: Summary of FAFSA Simplification Act for youth experiencing homelessness and youth with experience in foster careTOOLS AND RESOURCESThe FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid starting with the 2024–25 award year. This includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, need analysis, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal student aid programs.The law will also affect every state that uses FAFSA data to award state grant aid and every school that participates in the federal student aid programs. Major changes required by the law include the following:MORE RESOURCESFAFSA Simplification Act: At a Glance

WHAT TO KNOW8FSA ID BasicsSteps to Create an FSA IDAll students, parents, and legal guardians contributing information to the FAFSA will be required to have or register for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) account and provide consent prior to completing the FAFSA/CADAA.. ● New FAFSA filers will need to create an FSA ID account● Renewal FAFSA filers can continue to use their existing FSA ID● Parents/contributors without a Social Security Number will be able to create an FSA account1. Create Account at StudentAid.gov.2. Provide name, birth date, and social security number (SSN) if applicable.3. Create a unique username.4. Provide your personal email address (do not use a school email since it will expire after graduation).5. Create a strong password.6. Provide your mailing address.7. Provide your cell phone number.8. Select your communication preferences.9. Create challenge questions and answer for security purposes.10. Confirm and verify your information.11. Agree to terms and conditions.12. Verify your email and/or cell phone number to enable two-step verification.13. Write down your back-up code!STEPS TO CREATING YOUR FSA ID:FAFSA ID Basics

9Step 1: Student Information● Student basic information● Student household information● Student demographics● Student high school informationStep 2: Student Financial Information● Student income tax information● Student assets information● Student college informationStep 3: Student Spouse Information● Student spouse informationStep 4: Parent Information● Parent basic information● Parent household information● Parent income tax informationStep 5: Other Parent Information● Other parent basic information● Other parent income tax informationStep 6: Preparer Information● Preparer information● FSA Video: Start Your 2024-25 FAFSA Form● Sallie Mae: FAFSA 2024-25: How to Apply for Financial Aid● Student Guide: Understanding FAFSA & Financial AidTOOLS AND RESOURCESFAFSA Step-by-StepWalkthrough VideoTIP: If a student receives Free/Reduced Lunch at school, indicate that when asked that question on FAFSA - It might make your family exempt from having to enter assets. FAFSA Step-by-Step

10FAFSA FAQsFrequently Asked Questions2024–25 FAFSA FAQs - Access the FSA YouTube playlist to better understand the changes on the new form.NCAN FAFSA FAQs - The most frequently asked questions answered about the FAFSA, including updates to the 2024-25 application.Still need help? Federal Student Aid provides different Help options on their website!What is FAFSA and why is it important?What’s Changed for the 2024-25 FAFSA Form?Who is a Contributor on the 2024-25 FAFSA Form?What Does it Mean to Provide Consent and Approval on the 2024-25 FAFSA Form?Why do my Contributors and I Need Our Own StudentAid.gov Accounts?How Do I Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA Form If My Parents are Divorced or Separated?How Do I Create a StudentAid.gov Account if I Don’t Have a Social Security Number?How Do I Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA Form if My Parent is a Noncitizen?FAFSA FAQs

CADAACalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

12CADAAFinancial Aid Application for Undocumented YouthThe California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to apply for financial aid. The CADAA is one of the most important forms to fill out in regard to a college education and should be completed every academic year. The information supplied is used to assess a student’s financial need and gives them access to multiple sources of financial aid to help pay to attend a college, university, or vocational school. CADAA Changes Overview 2024-2025● The Expected Family Contribution will be replaced with the Student Aid Index.● Will now ask questions regarding gender, race and ethnicity ● Adding question about primary language at home to improve outreach● Revisions to the signature process that make it easier● Addition to include the AB 540 affidavit in the application to streamline the financial aid verification process● Inclusion of a provisional SAI calculation for students seeking an Unusual Circumstances AppealCADAA Financial Aid ApplicationWhat is the difference between the FAFSA and the CADAA? Students should only complete one of the applications (not both), according to the citizenship requirements below: Questions FAFSA CA Dream ApplicationWho is Eligible?● U.S citizen ● Legal permanent resident ● Eligible non-citizen (per FAFSA)● T Visa holder AB 540 / SB 68 Eligible Students Who Are:● Undocumented individuals;● DACAmented individuals: and ● U Visa holders ● Have temporary protected status (TPS)Who is NOT Eligible?● Any other immigration status that is not listed above including:● DACAmented students● Undocumented individuals● Any visa holder (except U)● Citizens● Legal permanent residents● Eligible non-citizens (per FAFSA)

13CADAA FAQsFrequently Asked Questions1. Who can apply for the California Dream Act?Undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders, students under temporary protected status (TPS), and students who meet the non-resident exemption.2. What are the non-residency requirements?AB 540 requires three years of coursework Act Application. and three years total attendance at California elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. SB 68 expands on the equivalency of high school attendance to include adult schools and community colleges.3. Can students fill out the CADAA if they don’t have a Social Security number? Yes. Students are not required to have a Social Security number to submit the CADAA. However, students will need to meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540/ SB 68 to receive state aid. NEW UPDATE: Feb. 2024 - How to Submit the 2024-25 FAFSA Form if Your Contributor Doesn’t Have an SSN?4. Does the student’s parent’s citizenship status affect their eligibility for financial aid under the California Dream Act? No, the parents’ citizenship status does not impact eligibility to receive financial aid. The CADAA does not contain any questions asking for this information and their parents’ immigration status isn’t considered in any financial aid decisions. CADAA FAQs● CSAC Launch Page: CA Dream Act Application 2024-25● CSAC Video: Line-by-Line of the 2023-24 CADAA● Immigrants Rising Website: CA Dream Act Overview ● Immigrants Rising Handout: FAFSA VS CADAA: Apply to the Correct Financial Aid● CSAC Resource Page: “Better FAFSA, Better CADAA”● CSAC Social Media Toolkit: Better FAFSA and CADAA● CSAC Handout: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the CADAA TOOLS AND RESOURCES

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, and LOANSTypes of Financial Aid

Types of Financial AidGrants, Scholarships and LoansThe FAFSA® form is one of the most widely used tools to access student aid: one application for multiple types of funding. When you complete the FAFSA®, you’re automatically applying for everything from grants and scholarships to work-study funds and loans from federal, state, and school sources. States and schools can also determine scholarships and grants using your FAFSA® information. And the funding can be substantial. The biggest challenge educators find with encouraging students and families to submit the FAFSA is demystifying the process. The U.S. Department of Education provides answers to 15 Myths About the FAFSA® Process.Federal GrantsFederal Pell Grant ProgramThe Federal Pell Grant is intended to assist eligible low- and middle-income students to attend a college or university of their choice. Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students with financial need who will be attending an eligible college or vocational school at least half time. Pell Grants typically pay up to $7,000.Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)The Federal SEOG Program provides supplemental funding for students with exceptional financial need. Once the Federal Pell Grant is awarded, the college financial aid office will assist eligible students in determining whether or not they qualify for Federal SEOG.LOANS SCHOLARSHIPS GRANTS WORK-STUDYLoans are funded by governments or private lenders.Scholarships are essentially free money to pay for school.Grants are given to students who demonstrate financial need.Program offers flexible part-time jobs around student schedules.Federal Grants15

Types of Financial Aid continued…16California State Financial AidCAL Grant AThe purpose of the Cal Grant A is to provide financial assistance to students from low-income families in meeting tuition and fees. Cal Grant A recipients are selected on the basis of financial need and academic ability. Grant awards are adjusted annually and range from about $5,000 to about $14,000 per year depending on the institution. A student who decides to attend a community college must request that this grant be held in reserve until they transfer to a four-year institution.CAL Grant BThe Cal Grant B is for students from disadvantaged or very low-income families who otherwise would not be able to pursue a post-secondary education. Cal Grant B awards for first-year students are usually limited to assisting with living expenses, books and supplies, and transportation (a living allowance or monthly access grant). When renewed by sophomores, juniors and seniors, a Cal Grant B may also cover all or part of tuition and fees. Cal Grant B typically allows a maximum access grant of around $1,700 (living allowance) and the maximum award for tuition and fees can be about $5,000 to $14,000 per year depending on the institution.CAL Grant CThe Cal Grant C was developed to assist vocationally oriented students to acquire a meaningful and marketable job skill in occupations designated by the state as being in demand. This grant may not be used to pursue a four-year degree program. To qualify, vocational training must be on a full- or part-time basis. Cal Grant C awards can be up to $2,500 for training-related costs and $1,000+ for books and supplies.Middle Class Scholarship The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family incomes and assets up to $171,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.● Students must meet the following requirements: be a California resident attending a UC or CSU; be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have AB 540* student status; meet certain income/asset and other financial aid standards; maintain satisfactory academic progress; not be in default on a student loan; and, must not be incarcerated● You may receive the MCS award for up to four years depending on education level when awarded.Campus-based FundsColleges and universities offer several types of scholarships and financial awards, such as employment under the Federal College Work-Study Program. Students apply for these campus-based funds by completing the FAFSA and any other form required by the Financial Aid office of the institution they plan to attend.California State Grants

Types of Financial Aid continued…17California State Financial AidCA College Promise Grant Fee Waiver for Community Colleges State law requires that students attending a community college pay an enrollment fee and a health fee. Students enrolled in credit classes are currently required to pay $46 per unit (typically about $552/semester based on 12 units/semester.)● Eligible students can receive the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) fee waiver (formerly Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW), a state-funded program, which will waive the enrollment fees for eligible applicants (Please note: The health fee will not be waived for most students and parking fees will not be reduced for students receiving the special circumstance CCPG-A). Only California residents can be considered for this waiver. ● When you fill out the admissions application for a community college, you will also be prompted to fill out the Promise application (FAFSA or CADAA also required).Chafee Grant (for Foster Youth) If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states. Submit a FAFSA or Dream Act application AND a Chafee application online.California Veterans' Dependents College Fee WaiverUnder this program, "state mandated" and "per unit" fees are waived for qualified students. The waiver is applicable at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. Eligibility is determined by the County Veterans Service Office. For more information regarding eligibility questions, contact the Veterans Service Office at 1-888-694-3222, or the Admission office of any California system campus.LoansLoans should be considered as a last resort. If you need to apply for a low-interest loan, discuss your options and the best loan package available with the financial aid officer at your college of choice. Sometimes low-interest loans are necessary. Note: loan cancellation benefits are available to students who become teachers in certain subjects or special education. Helpful articles: ● Loan Comparison Calculator ● College Cost Projector Calculator ● Borrowing for College: How Much is Too Much?Loans

Types of Financial Aid continued…18ScholarshipsCSS ProfileThe CSS Profile is an online application through CollegeBoard used by certain state and private aid programs to award non-federal institutional aid. A list of participating school is available online, and deadline dates for each may be different. Students begin working on their CCS Profile application in their senior year of high school starting Oct. 1, and there is a fee associated with each application, however fee waivers are available. Scholarship and Contest Opportunities for San Diego County StudentsThere are many local scholarship and contest opportunities available for students in San Diego County. New opportunities are added frequently. Visit the SDCOE Scholarship and Contest Opportunities for San Diego County Students page often.San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application The San Diego Foundation's Common Scholarship Application (CSA) gives high school seniors access to more than 130 scholarship opportunities with just one application. Awards range from $1,000 to more than $5,000. The submission period opens Jan.17 and runs through March 6, but students can access the Common Scholarship Application to see eligibility, application tips, and submit application. Current undergraduate students can also use the CSA to apply to available scholarships. FastWeb.comFastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid tools. Students create a profile and get personalized scholarship recommendations.Articles/Resources:● Are Financial Aid and Scholarships the Same Thing? ● Scholarship Best Practices ● Fastweb's Scholarship Directory ● Scholarship Scam Red FlagsAdditional Resources● CaliforniaColleges.edu offers information on admissions, financial aid, and career exploration.● FinAid.org provides resources to learn more about financial aid and how to apply for it.● View short videos from FSA to learn about grants, loans, and work-study jobs. Scholarships & Loans

ASSEMBLY BILL 469California “All In” for FAFSA and CADAA Campaign

20A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows students to be considered for federal aid (FAFSA applicants only), state aid, institutional aid, and loans. Completing a FAFSA or CADAA provides access to students and their families to various financial aid options, allowing them to make an informed decision about pursuing a college, university, or vocational school.The goal of “All In for FAFSA and California Dream Act” is to expand access to financial aid to thousands of students who may have otherwise not been aware of these opportunities.TOOLS AND RESOURCES● Building All In Team Handout● All In Educator Video● FAFSA/CA Dream Act Sample Letter● Workshop Flyer● Workshop PosterStarting in the 2022-23 academic school year, high schools, and school districts (Local Educational Agencies) will need to ensure that all 12th graders in the state of California complete a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, unless the student has formally submitted an opt-out waiver.CSAC All In

AB 469 BasicsOpt Out Rationale123Under AB 469, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to confirm that high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Students may alternatively complete an opt-out form, which shall be collected and retained by the high school. Students have the option to formally submit the local educational agency (LEA) “opt-out” form prior to the end of senior year. Forms shall be collected and retained by the high school. 21To ensure that all students have equitable access and support for completing a financial aid application before graduating from high school. Implementation4● Initiate a conversation with site and district leadership● Request access to your CSAC WebGrants Portal● Look at and understand past completion data● Set a realistic goal for increasing completion rates● Host a Cash for College workshop on your campus ● Become a partner district with the California College Guidance Initiative to facilitate the holistic implementation of AB 469 ● Create a team-based approach on campus and monitor progress with the SDCOE Race To Submit Dashboard● Enlist community-based organizations, resources and partnerships ● Launch a social media campaign using the CSAC Social Media ToolkitCSAC All In AB 469

ASSEMBLY BILL 132California Cradle-to-Career Data System

Established by California Assembly Bill 132 (AB 132), California’s Cradle-to-Career (C2C) System is a suite of user-friendly resources focused on early learning through K-12 and higher education, as well as on the financial aid and social services that help students reach their goals.23 What the C2C System includes:● Dashboards, query tools, and an analytical data set for researchers, policymakers, educators, and community members to inform research, advocacy, and policy analysis.● Planning and application tools for students, families, and educators to streamline the college and financial aid processes and monitor student progress.● Community engagement and training to raise awareness of the data system and ensure it can be used by students, families, educators, researchers, and policymakers.C2C System

24What does AB 132 Require:California Assembly Bill 132 (AB 132) outlines specific steps that must be taken in order to implement the C2C System and realize its objectives. These include:Make the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) tools and services free to all California school districts serving 6th-12th grade students, with a goal of full participation by June 30, 2026.Require the California Department of Education to:● Collect and provide data to support student accounts on CaliforniaColleges.edu.● Encourage K-12 districts to work with CCGI to improve the quality of their transcript data, so that students applying to four-year colleges receive proper credit for “a-g” coursework they completed in high school.Designate CaliforniaColleges.edu as the preferred starting point for all applications to California public colleges, along with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA). This streamlines the process by ensuring:● All applications can be launched and tracked from a single platform.● Components of applications can be pre-populated using data from CaliforniaColleges.edu.● Key data points, including pre-verified “a-g” course data, can be provided to ensure accurate and timely decisions about admissions, placement, and financial aid.Require an annual “Student Experience” audit of the processes and tools (such as application platforms) that students must use to apply for college and financial aid. Its goal will be to identify conflicting information, unnecessary procedural barriers, and user experience problems.1234C2C System 2

25What is the California College Guidance Initiative?The California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) is a state-funded nonprofit that works to smooth the path to college and career for all California students, especially those who have been underrepresented in higher education.What is CaliforniaColleges.edu?CaliforniaColleges.edu is the State of California’s one-stop shop for all the resources students need to set goals for life after high school and make plans to achieve them. The tools on CaliforniaColleges.edu are designed to empower students to take their college and career journeys into their own hands.The long-term goal for CaliforniaColleges.edu is to provide the infrastructure through which the C2C Data System will streamline the high school-to-college segment of the educational pipeline.What is the K-16 Collaborative, Border Region Talent Pipeline?The K-16 Collaborative Border Region Talent Pipeline is a team of education, workforce, economic development and industry stakeholders committed to increasing access to high-wage, high-demand careers in business, computing, engineering, education and healthcare for diverse and underrepresented local talent in San Diego and Imperial Counties.CCGI

TOOLS and RESOURCESTracking FAFSA/CADAA Completion Rates

Online student database used to access reports to check student’s status in the FAFSA/CADAA application process and matching with the Cal Grant.27● You can see who applied to either a CADAA or a FAFSA.● You can view who has an incomplete application.● You can see when a student has successfully matched to their GPA and if they have received a Cal Grant award.● Allows you to see errors and work with the student to resolve the issues.Set up a WebGrants Account● WebGrants System Administrator’s Access Request Form● FAFSA/California Dream Act Completion Program Agreement*Both forms can be emailed to SchoolSupport@csac.ca.govCSAC WebgrantsTracking FAFSA CompletionsUsing the Webgrants Portal to Develop a FAFSA Completion System (2021)Jason Maher, Head CounselorSan Diego Unified School DistrictStrategies to Promote and Improve FAFSA/CADAA Completion Rates (2021)Ruben Escobar, Alison Liu, Fina Nalls, and Areli Simpson, School CounselorsSan Marcos Unified School DistrictWebinar Recordings from San Diego School CounselorsCSAC Webgrants

28Race to Submit CampaignCaliforniaThe Race to Submit is a statewide campaign that aims to increase the number of financial aid applications (FAFSAs / CADAAs) for California high school seniors. Filling out these financial aid applications is the first step towards college success and helps students qualify for federal and state aid to help pay for college. These efforts were modeled after the successful 2017-18 FAFSA and CADAA Completion Initiative in Riverside.The Race to Submit encourages all California high schools and districts to view and track their FAFSA and CADAA completion numbers. The online tool helps measure the number of submitted and completed financial aid applications to maximize financial aid consideration (including GPA submissions for Cal Grant awarding). This initiative aims to motivate California high schools and districts to increase application counts by supporting their students with FAFSA and CADAA submission.During the 2023-24 application period, from January 1 to the adjusted April 2 Cal Grant deadline, each high school, district, and county can use the Race to Submit to gauge the submission and completion of the FAFSA and CADAA application, GPA submission, as well as how many Cal Grants have been awarded to their students.The Race to Submit Dashboard provides progress updates of the following data by high school, school district and county on a weekly basis:● FAFSA/CADAA completion and submission rates● Number of completed financial aid applications matched to GPAs (for Cal Grant consideration)● Number of Cal Grant awards● CSAC Toolkit Resource Guide● California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)● CSAC Race to Submit DashboardTOOLS AND RESOURCESCA R2S Campaign

29Race to Submit CampaignSan Diego CountySan Diego County Leaderboards by Category and Award RecipientsIn fall 2022, SDCOE launched the first San Diego County Dashboard to share leaderboard results of schools and districts in our own county-wide campaign. Data was pulled from the CSAC Race to Submit Dashboard. Six categories, based on senior class enrollment at each high school, and three categories for overall results at the district level were created. The Fourth Annual San Diego County Race to Submit Campaign for high school seniors completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) concluded in June 2023. The campaign ran from October 1, 2022, to April 16, 2023. The overall county results for 2023, concluded at 57%, five percentage points higher than 2022.● Automated data imported from CSAC each time the state campaign is updated.● Filter for San Diego County public and charter schools only.● Posted on the SDCOE School Counselor webpage for easy access.● Consistent with California Race to Submit campaign.● Categories for senior class enrollment adjusted for San Diego county schools.The 2023 San Diego County Race to Submit Champions were recognized in the spring 2023 and received banners to hang in their school or district offices. We also recognized schools with the highest growth from 2022 to 2023 in FAFSA/CADAA completions. SD R2S Campaign

PROGRAMS and RESOURCESAgency Partnerships

31Agency PartnershipsPrograms and Resources● 2023 Fall Frenzy Professional Learning Series Calendar● SDCOE Financial Aid Resources, ● SDCOE School Counselor webpage● SDCOE On-Demand Webinars and Tutorials● San Diego County CCGI Leadership TeamCalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)● CSAC Toolkit Resource Guide● CSAC Race to Submit DashboardCal-SOAP ● College Access Programs ● Newsletter and Blog● Webinar Recordings● Workshops/EventsCARPE Network● Financial Aid Change Package● College Apps Change Package● College Transition PlaybookAgency Partnerships 1

32John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY)● FAQS: Homeless/Foster Youth and FAFSA/Frequently Asked Questions● FLYER: New-FAFSA-Provisions-for-Homeless-Foster-Youth ● FLYER: Summary of FAFSA Simplification Act & Homeless/Foster Youth● GUIDE: Financial Aid Guide California Foster and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth● GUIDE: FAFSA Visual Guide for California Foster and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth/step-by-step overview● RESOURCE: FAFSA/CADAA Webinar Training for Adult Supporters of Youth with Experience in Foster Care or with Homelessness ● TOOLKIT: CSAC Foster Youth Social Media ToolkitCollegeBoard provides free professional development designed to support new counselors as they embark on their high school counseling career. Each module contains foundational information in the following categories: Counselor Tasks and Techniques, College Advising, and College Board Programs and Services. EdTrust West● Education Trust-West’s Hidden Figures: A Framework to Increase Access to Financial Aid Agency PartnershipsPrograms and ResourcesAgency Partnerships 2

33National College Attainment Network (NCAN) ● Communication "Awareness" Toolkit● FAFSA Training Toolkit● Frequently Asked Questions● Top 10 Changes Coming to the Better FAFSA● FAFSA Outreach Resources● Planning for the Delayed Better FAFSA● Training Webinars Sallie Mae● Step by Step FAFSA Guide● Explaining the Student Aid Index (SAI)● 1,2,3 Approach to Paying for College● Big FAFSA Changes are Here● Stress-free Guide to Paying for College● Frequently Asked Questions & Tips● Register for Virtual EventsAgency PartnershipsPrograms and ResourcesAgency Partnerships 3

34The Western Association for College Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) supports and advances the work of counseling and enrollment professionals from California and Nevada as they help all students realize their full potential, with emphasis on freshman/transfer transitions to higher education and access for all students. WACAC hosts many events, webinars, and trainings for school counselors and to increase access to their resources, they have made a commitment to California public school educators with a free membership. You can claim it now at the WACAC website.Membership benefits include access to trainings at a free or discounted price, along with access to college representatives for college fairs, presentations, or to connect with a student who needs advice. Additional membership benefits include:● Extended Membership Directory● The ability to register for special WACAC events, like fall and spring college fairs or the legislative advocacy conference (GRAC)● Reduced registration rates for professional development events including our annual, two-day conference and regional, half-day professional development workshops (Share, Learn, Connect – SLCs)● The opportunity to advertise jobs through the WACAC Job Board● Access to the members-only online portal● Special Interest Group (SIG) membership – learn from members with similar jobs or demographics to you● The opportunity to apply for scholarships to attend events● Volunteer on a committee and/or at a WACAC event● Website resources and online toolkitSPRING COLLEGE FAIRSan Diego Location: Scripps Ranch High SchoolSaturday, March 23, 1 to 3 p.m.WACAC

ACRONYMS and TERMSGlossary

Glossary36● California Colleges Guidance Initiative (CCGI) - Initiative that helps all California college systems (California Community Colleges, California State University, University of California and the California Student Aid Commission) work as a team to develop a pipeline for students to have a seamless transition.● California Dream Act Application (CADAA) - Application for non-citizens living in California to apply for state financial aid to attend an eligible California college, university or career education program that allows students who are not be eligible for the FAFSA application.● California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) - Government agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public colleges, universities, or career education programs in California.● California Student Opportunity and Access Program (CalSOAP) - Organization working in partnership with California State University, the University of California, school districts, and local non-profit agencies to provide postsecondary education information to students.● Contributor - Anyone that provides information on your FAFSA.● Cost of Attendance (COA) - Estimate of how much you would pay to attend a college. Includes tuition and fees, housing, meals, books and materials, transportation, and other related costs.● Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) - Tool for educators to access data relating to student admissions, placement, support services, financial aid and student guidance.● Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA to determine how much financial aid students are eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. ● FAFSA Submission Summary - Report received after filing the FAFSA that provides basic information about your financial aid eligibility● Federal Student Aid (FSA) - Largest provider of federal student aid in the U.S. ● Federal Student Aid account (FSA ID) - Unique login that is required for each contributor for a FAFSA in order to access, complete, and sign it.● Financial Aid Award Letter - Financial aid package in a letter from a college a student was accepted to that includes the financial aid sources granted.● Financial Need - Cost of attendance minus the Student Aid Index as calculated by the FAFSA.● National College Attainment Network (NCAN) - Nonprofit association whose mission is to increase equity and excellence in postsecondary access and attainment.● Net Price - The amount a student pays in a year after subtracting grants and scholarships.● Social Security Number (SSN) - Unique number with the government used for identification and to track an individual’s Social Security benefits.● Student Aid Index (SAI) - Number determined by the financial information you provide in the FAFSA that a college will use to determine the amount of financial aid you’re eligible for at their institution. Glossary

37This guide was created by:ERYN BARKERCounselor on Special Assignment Bonsall Unified School DistrictandTANYA BULETTECounseling CoordinatorSan Diego County Office of EducationFunding provided through the Regional K16 Education Collaboratives Grant Program, from the Office of Public School Constructions.