The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in partnership with Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation, kicked off the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Application Cycle at a press conference held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. This event held at Ventura College highlighted the critical role financial aid plays in allowing access and equity for students pursuing higher education across California.
“We chose to launch the 2026-27 financial aid cycle in Ventura because there is something special here,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “From being able to support a student to pursue their college dreams, to understanding that financial aid is critical to help students stay enrolled, Ventura has the opportunity to continue its growth in completed financial aid applications while supporting students through their higher education journey.”
The event underscored the essential work of Ventura College, which was selected as the site for this year’s official launch due to its leadership in college affordability and outreach and 10% increase in their 2025-26 financial aid applications. Ventura College has long been committed to ensuring students and families have the tools they need to navigate the financial aid process, and it continues to be an active force in helping local students access the financial resources they need to succeed.
“Ventura College is proud to be part of this statewide initiative and to assist students in taking the necessary steps to secure their financial future,” said Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Acting President of Ventura College. “For our students here, financial aid means everything – it's not just about being able to pay for classes, it's being able to pay for housing and food. By offering events like Cash for College, we help hundreds of students each year complete their financial aid applications.”
Throughout the press conference, speakers shared inspiring messages about the life-changing impact of financial aid and the importance of completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Ventura College hosted three Cash for College events last year with hands-on assistance in helping over 400 students and families complete their financial aid applications. This year, the college plans to hold five Cash for College events to assist at least 1,000 students in the financial aid process.
SPEAKERS INCLUDED:
- Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios, Mayor of Ventura
- Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director, California Student Aid Commission
- Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Acting President, Ventura College
- Anne Paul King, Executive Director, Ventura College Foundation
- Alma Rodriguez, Financial Aid Officer, Ventura College
- Assembly Member Jaqui Irwin, California State Assembly
- Senator Monique Limon Representative, California State Senate
- Kamea Kellner, ASVC President, Ventura College
“Providing resources to students so they can access grants and apply for scholarships is a main goal for the college and the foundation,” said Anne Paul King, Executive Director of Ventura College Foundation. “Over 60 percent of our students are food insecure, 48 percent of students are first in their families to go to college, and 39 percent are housing insecure. The more students who apply for financial aid, the more they will have the opportunity to secure support for their education and achieve their dreams. For anyone wishing to support Ventura College students through scholarships and basic needs, visit our website (https://venturacollegefoundation.org).”
In addition to the press conference, a CSAC’s Annual Statewide Financial Aid Workshop took place and was attended by over 150 high school counselors, administrators and community outreach partners who received live in person financial aid training. A Cash for College event was held later that evening for students and families to get assistance on completing applications.
Financial aid applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle, and assistance is available through the state and federal call centers. CSAC encourages all students and families to complete their financial aid applications early and to attend local workshops and events like those held at Ventura College.
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission currently serves over 2.2 million students and administers over $3.9 billion of student financial aid programs and services, including the Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, and the California Dream Act Application. The Commission serves as a resource for policymakers and the public on college affordability and financing issues, and advocates for policy changes to eliminate cost as a barrier to any qualified California student pursuing a higher education. Visit our website at www.csac.ca.gov or follow us on social media by clicking on our Link Tree.
Ventura College
Ventura College, part of the Ventura County Community College District, has been serving the region for 100 years by providing accessible, high-quality education and career training. With campuses in Ventura and Santa Paula, the college continues to expand opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals while supporting the workforce needs of the community. For more information, visit https://www.venturacollege.edu/.
Ventura College Foundation
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers, and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. To donate to help fund scholarships and student services, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org/donate. For more information, contact Chloe Boswell-Dondorf at 805-289-6418, cboswelldondorf@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.
Ventura College Foundation
-
Anne King Executive Director
- October 24, 2025
- (805) 289-6461
- Send Email
