On Feb. 12, there is a Cash for College event in the Woodside High School library to help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act application (CADAA).
Lisa Vasquez and Francisco Gil, two of the three college counselors at Woodside, will be hosting this event. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., as a drop-in for parents and students to gain assistance in the financial aid process. There will be both English and Spanish speakers to ensure as many people as possible can be helped.
“This event targets senior parents,” Vasquez said. “It should be for everybody planning to go to a four-year or two-year program. We want to make sure we help them before the priority deadline of March 2.”
The two different applications are aimed at supporting all students. The FAFSA application is aimed at students who are US citizens, nationals and non-citizens who meet certain requirements. The CADAA is primarily for undocumented students. These applications require lots of paperwork that students and families should prepare before coming to the Cash for College event.
“Everyone should bring a copy of their 2024 tax returns and their social security number,” Vasquez said. “Another thing to consider is that both applications will ask ‘how much do you have in your bank?’ and [about] cash on hand at this time, at the date of the application. The FAFSA can ask families for the value of investments, not in retirement accounts, and the value of properties that are not considered their primary homes.”
The college counselors will be there to assist throughout the process, which is commonly described as tedious. They can also proofread applications for any errors that could impact the results.
”Many of the common errors come from not having access to your information,” Vasquez said. “Very few students actually have certain details memorized. We facilitate that process by coming in, making sure they get their questions answered and ensuring they don’t put the wrong numbers in the wrong spots.”
One of the most local community colleges to Woodside is Cañada College, being only four miles away. Canada will be attending the event to provide information.
“Cañada College is bringing their own financial aid officer as well to be an extra source of information,” Vasquez said. “So we’ll have extra people to answer questions about some esoteric situations that not every family will have.”
In San Mateo County, community college classes are free for students, but the financial aid applications can still benefit students.
“By completing a financial aid application, students can qualify for what’s called the Promise program,” Vasquez said. “You not only get a textbook stipend, but you get access to special counseling and workshops. You also get priority registration, so you get to register for classes earlier than the average, not as early as athletes, but close.”
According to Vasquez, the financial aid application can help almost anyone pursuing further education after high school.
“It’s still early in the game, so let’s keep all the doors open, keeping the grades up, applying for financial aid,” Vasquez said. “The first step [to getting financial help] is coming to see your college advisor or your school counselor, asking for some assistance with the financial aid application, and reading the senior newsletter.”
