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L.A. REGION K-16 COLLABORATIVE

Collaboration Counts:

Boosting Financial Aid Reach

November 18, 2025

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Agenda

Welcome & Introductions
Outcomes and Overview
Boosting Financial Aid Reach Presentation
Closing & Opportunities

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Understand the 26-27 FAFSA & CADAA updates and upcoming federal policy changes impacting financial aid and student advising.�
Learn about targeted resources and strategies to better support our most impacted student populations.

Identify and explore opportunities to strengthen coherence between K-12, postsecondary, and community-based systems, to increase financial aid completion, college enrollment, and student persistence.

Today’s Outcomes

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K-16 Collaborative Goals and Strategies

We’re supporting pathways in healthcare, computer science, and engineering.

We’re mobilizing partners to systematically improve dual enrollment, transfer, and work-based learning.

We’re focusing on strategic advancements in advising, early college exposure, college affordability, and retention through inclusive supports.

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Access & Equity: Financial aid completion is one of the biggest predictors of college enrollment, especially for first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students.�
Student Transitions: FAFSA and CADAA completion are essential milestones on the K-16 student journey, from high school graduation to college entry.�
Collaborative Impact: Improving financial aid completion rates supports the Collaborative’s regional goals to increase degree attainment and reduce equity gaps across L.A. County.�
Action Ahead: Together, we can leverage data, communication, and outreach strategies to ensure no student misses out due to paperwork or process barriers.

Why Financial Aid Completion Matters for the L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative

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Jenny Vu

UNITE-LA

Director, Education Systems Strategy

Matthew Moor

UNITE-LA

Senior Manager, College Access Initiatives

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Collaboration Counts: Boosting Financial Aid Reach

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L.A. Cash for College

Cash for College (CFC) is a statewide campaign led by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) dedicated to increasing awareness of and access to financial aid opportunities and resources for all California students.

As the regional coordinating organization (RCO) for L.A. County, UNITE-LA leads various initiatives through its L.A. Cash for College (L.A. CFC) programming. By partnering and working collaboratively with local high school districts, colleges and community-based organizations (CBOs), L.A. CFC removes postsecondary education barriers and improves educational opportunities for thousands of students in the region.

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Missed Opportunity

California’s High School Class of 2024 missed out on half a billion dollars in Federal Pell Grants.

During this past cycle, California Dream Act Applications (CADAA) were down 20%. This is the lowest CADAA application rate on record.

Millions Left on The Table

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Why It Matters

Financial Aid = College Access and College

Affordability

Completing a financial aid application = 84% more likely to enroll��

Average CA student receives $22,000 in grants/

scholarships�

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Why It Matters

Multi-faceted barriers disproportionately impact first-generation, low-income, undocumented and systems-involved youth.

We all play a critical role to increase students and families' awareness and understanding of funds that exist to make college more affordable and attainable.

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FAFSA & CADAA UPDATES

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26-27 FAFSA & CADAA Changes

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Invitations to contributors fixed, requiring just email address by the student

Real-time matching of Social Security Number with SSA (note, no changes to those without SSN)

Pell Grant Eligibility: New Income Rules (FAFSA)

Asset Reporting Changes: What Families NO Longer Report (FAFSA)

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STATE & FEDERAL POLICY CHANGES

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�State & Federal Policy Updates ¹�

Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs

New Accountability Metrics

Changes to Student Loan Repayment

Changes to Federal Education Grants

Impact on Loan Limits

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes more than $300 billion in cuts to federal student aid programs, impacting loans, savings, and grants.

*Most changes won’t go into effect until July 2026

Cerebly, Inc. (2025). Key Takeaways for OBBBA Financial Aid Talk. Retrieved from file.¹

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Impacts of Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs

Forecasting: Impact of New Loan Limits ¹
	Shift enrollment to lower-cost colleges
	Students at HBCUs three times more likely to exceed Parent PLUS loan limits
	A high percentage of students in MD, Dentistry and Pharmacy programs will exceed the aggregate limits
	Shift some borrowing to private student loans
	Low-income students might not qualify for private loans

No changes were made to the credit hours for full time Pell recipients, but a short term Pell for workforce programs was established.

Cerebly, Inc. (2025). Key Takeaways for OBBBA Financial Aid Talk. Retrieved from file.¹

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PAUSE & REFLECT

What upcoming challenges or opportunities do you anticipate as a result of these state and federal policy changes?

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RESOURCES FOR HIGH-IMPACTED STUDENT POPULATIONS

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Vulnerable Populations

Foster Youth

Students Experiencing Homelessness

Undocumented Students/

Mixed Status Families

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Supporting Undocumented Students and Mixed Status Families

Best Practice		Recommended Language
	Use inclusive language	Say “FAFSA or CADAA” instead of only “FAFSA.”
	Provide multilingual materials	Have handouts and resources ready in multiple languages.
	Plan for interpretation	Review attendee list and arrange interpreters before the event.
	Avoid assumptions about status	Use neutral prompts like “Please select your current citizenship status.”
	Protect student privacy	Offer sensitive conversations in a one-on-one setting.
	Do not give legal advice	Refer students with status questions to qualified legal/immigrant resource providers such as Immigrants Rising, CHIRLA etc.
	Reinforce safety + autonomy	Explain that aid info isn’t shared with immigration enforcement and encourage families to choose what’s best for them.

Use inclusive language when discussing financial aid. Instead of only saying "FAFSA," mention both financial aid and specific forms. For example: “Today, we are going to complete your FAFSA or CADAA application.”

Prepare materials in multiple languages, or have translated versions ready in a file for easy access during the event.

Anticipate that language support may be needed at the event. Know who is attending your workshop so you can arrange for interpretation or translation services ahead of time.

Avoid assuming someone's status. There are ways you can get this information in a respectful way.

To determine eligibility for various types of aid, please select your current citizenship status.

Eligibility for federal student aid depends on citizenship or eligible non-citizen status. If you have questions or concerns about this, let’s talk one-on-one to ensure your privacy.”

If someone is unsure about their status or has concerns, refer them to a list of qualified legal or immigrant resource providers rather than offering personal advice.

While we are being reassured that information is not shared with the Department of Homeland Security or immigration enforcement agencies, always tell students and families that they need to weigh their options and determine what option is best for them.

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FAFSA Privacy Considerations

No Added Risk:

If filed last year, parents’ data is already on file.
Filing again does not increase risk.

Strong Privacy Protections:

Covered by 3 federal laws:

Higher Education Act (HEA)

HEA §483(a)(3)(E): Data can only be used for aid application, award, or administration.

FERPA
Privacy Act

Eligibility Reminder:

No FAFSA = No consideration for Pell Grant that year.
Can regain eligibility by filing in a later year.

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2026-2027 CA Dream Act Application

Opened October 1^st

Undocumented Students

U-Visa Holders or Temporary Protected Status

Mixed Status Families

SAFELY

The California Dream Act Application helps Undocumented Students get financial aid for college and university.

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Dreamer Service Incentive Grant

What is DSIG?

A grant program for California Dream Act Applicants (undocumented students) with an active Cal Grant A or B award.
Provides up to $4,500 per academic year for completing community or volunteer service (300 hours/year).

Eligibility Requirements:

Filed California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Active Cal Grant A or B award with unmet financial need
Completion of required volunteer or community service hours at qualifying organizations

Key Benefits:

Supports undocumented students by rewarding community engagement
Helps cover college expenses through grant funding
Encourages leadership and skill-building in service activities

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CHAFEE Grant


	Award: Up to $4,500/year ($2,500/semester or $1,667/quarter)
	2025–26: Up to $4,500 ($2,250/semester or $1,500/quarter)�Funding limited; awards not guaranteed.
	Duration: Up to 5 years or until age 26 (by July 1 of award year).
	Application: One-time Chafee Grant Application + annual FAFSA/CADAA.
	Deadline: Opens Oct 1; due July 31 of academic year.

CALIFORNIA CHAFEE GRANT FOR FOSTER YOUTH

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DCFS: Independent Living Program

Purpose:

The ILP supports current and former foster youth to achieve self-sufficiency before and after leaving foster care.

Eligibility:

Youth ages 16 to the day before their 21st birthday
Must be current or former foster youth
Only and ILP/transition coordinator can verify eligibility.

Program Features

Flexible county-based design tailored to individual needs
Coordination with Federal and State agencies

Services Provided:

Training and life skills development
Services to support education, employment, housing, and health
Referrals by social worker or probation officer

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CalKIDS

Program Summary:�

CalKIDS is a children’s development account program administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an agency of the State of California.

The program provides children born in California and eligible public school students with a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $1,500 for college.

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CalKIDS

Program Summary:�

For School-Age Students:

$500 for eligible low income students
Additional $500 for foster youth
Additional $500 for homeless youth

Students in grades 1-12 who were in a CA public high school in the 2021-22 school year or currently in first grade (provided you meet the low-income/high-need criteria).

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CalKIDS

�

Claim your scholarship!

Funds can be used once a student is enrolled in an eligible college (including tech/vocational schools)
Scholarships may be claimed at any time
Funds must be used before the age of 26.

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College Promise Program

The California College Promise Program waives the enrollment fees of $46 per unit for eligible California residents. General eligibility includes the following:

Complete FAFSA/CADAA application.

First-time, full-time student (12 units or more) and 2 years of free college

Must be a CA Resident or meet AB 540 criteria

Visit to learn more about College Promise Programs in Los Angeles!

Most first-time, full-time students can attend a California Community College tuition-free for their first 1–2 years through the California Promise and/or the College Promise Grant.

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1-1 ADVISING BY A TRUSTED ADULT IS MOST IMPACTFUL

You don’t need to be an expert, just a consistent guide.

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STRENGTHENING COHERENCE BETWEEN K-12 AND POSTSECONDARY SYSTEMS

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STRENGTHENING STRATEGIES

What would it look like for K–12 districts/high schools, higher education institutions, and community organizations to operate as a coherent system that jointly drives financial aid completion, college enrollment, and student persistence?

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STRENGTHENING STRATEGIES


	Intentional Partnerships Between High Schools & Primary Feeder Colleges
	Coordination of Outreach and Financial Aid Planning & Events
	Data Sharing & Student Tracking
	Aligned Advising & Warm Hand-Offs
	Braiding & Aligning Funding

Coherent structures and processes allow us to create more equitable and meaningful and PROACTIVE transition experiences for students who are already navigating complex processes and timelines. We don’t want it to feel like an add-on.

Partnerships: where relationships are formalized, students experience more consistent support from outreach to enrollment. Many districts and colleges rely on informal relationships rather than formalized agreements. Clear roles, contacts, and responsibilities strengthen follow-through. Joint planning (e.g., shared calendars, co-hosted events) improves reach and consistency. Coherence requires more than partnerships—it requires shared goals, shared data, logic models and shared ownership of student transitions.
Coordination of outreach and financial aid events: Joint planning for financial aid events, especially focused on locality and feeder patterns. This expands capacity as well - counselors and advisors from both institutions can support.
Data sharing & student tracking: Will allow for students not falling through the cracks. Early identification of students who need additional FAFSA/CADAA support reduces last-minute scrambles. Colleges can close the loop by reporting which students complete steps, enroll, so we can plan out more intentional follow-up and advising measures.
Aligned advising and warm handoffs: When advising is aligned across systems, the student journey feels continuous and provides targeted, necessary supports through transitions, especially during the critical time when they graduate high school and essentially don’t have a system carrying them… how can we create more intentionally advising to build out support so that they are not left during those critical summer months. Accountability should not stop at high school exit. Metrics must follow the student across institutions and transitions. Staff roles should be redesigned as cross-system connectors—transition navigators, WBL coordinators, re-engagement case managers—who ensure students don’t “fall between systems.”
Braiding and Funding: Braiding funds allows for shared staffing, joint programming, and expanded capacity so efforts aren’t siloed and expertise can be shared. Cross-sector planning ensures sustainability rather than one-off pilots. **UNITE-LA will be applying for Prop 98 funds from the California Colleges Chancellor’s Office, which offers one-time funds for CBOs to support financial aid outreach and completion.

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PAUSE & REFLECT

Does your high school have structured partnerships with local feeder colleges to support college persistence? How are your college access, outreach, and financial aid events currently coordinated across high schools, colleges, and CBOs? What coordination structures would strengthen impact?
Do your systems regularly share information or tracking records about students’ FAFSA/CADAA completion, college applications, or enrollment steps? If not, what barriers or opportunities do you see?
How might dedicated advisors or liaisons—at both the high school and college—support aligned advising and warm handoffs that reduce summer melt and foster belonging and enrollment for first-year students?
What opportunities exist to braid or align funding streams (e.g., GSPP, Strong Workforce, college outreach funds) to support shared goals?
Given UNITE-LA’s role as the L.A. CFC RCO and K–16 Collaborative convener, where could our coordination or infrastructure be most helpful to your work?

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L.A. Cash for College

Our Expanded College Access Pillars & Priorities

Strengthening & Deepening Regional Capacity of college access champions through real-time training and supports in financial aid and college readiness planning.

Implementing Personalized, Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Programming and mentorship by meeting high-priority students and schools where they are.

Strengthening the K–16 Ecosystem Through Coherent College-Readiness Systems-Bridging, improving strategic and meaningful coordination between K–12, community-based, and higher education systems.

Expanding Strategic Financial Investments in Postsecondary Persistence through scholarships and basic needs.

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L.A. K-16 Collaboration Levers

Joint feeder-pattern financial aid campaigns

On-campus financial aid completion events hosted by colleges for their feeder schools

Data sharing and warm hand-offs

Align calendars across financial aid and enrollment milestones

Collaboration

Convene

Connectivity

Synchronization

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College-Bridging Event

Saturday, December 13^th

9:30AM-1PM

University Theatre 3801 W. Temple Ave. Pomona, CA 91768

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�Sharing & Discussion�

1. Can you share specific strategies, large or small, you or your colleagues have used to improve financial aid outcomes? What made them effective?

2. How might we continue the conversation on building coherence across youth-serving/education systems to improve postsecondary outcomes?

3. Looking ahead, what trends, innovations, or student successes make you optimistic about the future of financial aid?

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Resources and Tips

1. Review the paper form. Great option to see the types of questions students and families are asked.

2. Accessing the 2026–27 FAFSA^® Prototype

To access the 2026–27 FAFSA prototype, follow the steps below:

Visit fsapartners.ed.gov/fafsa-prototype/2627
Enter the access code: prototype2627

3. Bi-Weekly, Drop-In Virtual Office Hours�Effective October 2025 – February 2026

Join us for open office hours to get answers and guidance — students and families are welcome!

Thursdays�11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.�Fridays�1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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Questions

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Thank You!

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Website:

losangelesk16.org

Contacts:

Andrew Giang

Manager, Postsecondary Strategy & Policy, UNITE-LA

agiang@unitela.com

Adam Gottlieb

Director, Postsecondary Strategy & Policy, UNITE-LA

agottlieb@unitela.com

(213) 325-1520