From the News You Can Use Archives 11/07/06
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CSAC/EDFUND Fosters College Access With Participation in New National ServiceThe California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and EDFUND have joined the national effort to make college and career planning easier with a new online service, the College Access Web site. The site will improve access to crucial information for students who are planning their future careers and the path of higher education they must take to succeed.
The new Web site (www.going2college.org) features comprehensive information about career preparation, planning for college, finding a college and paying for college. Details about California's programs and services are available to students and families. Visitors just click on California to learn where to get help in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA; the types of federal and state scholarships and grants available; and which organizations and schools offer early awareness and intervention programs for low-income and first-generation college students.
This Web site, developed in conjunction with the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs (NCHELP) and Mapping Your Future, a national collaborative, public service project of the student financial aid industry, is a resource for students, families, guidance counselors, colleges and community organizations.
In addition to general information about career planning resources, guidelines for students planning to attend college, and the federal and state financial aid available, the site provides details on:
- College resource centers in the state;
- College information and financial aid awareness events; and
- Assistance provided to low-income, and first-generation college students through programs including California Cash for College, Upward Bound, Talent Search, GEAR UP and Project Grad
“California students and families can now easily link to the information and resources necessary to the pursuit of higher education and career success,” said Sam Kipp, president of EDFUND. “Going to college is most everyone's dream, but getting to college can involve a daunting series of hurdles. We've organized this information as a helpful pathway. The California Student Aid Commission and EDFUND have always tried to provide important access tools for parents, students and school staff.
“This new Web service supports this mission,” added Diana Fuentes-Michel, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, “and provides our valued partners and customers with a one-stop shop service to help them achieve their dreams.”
The College Access Web site was developed as part of the College Access Initiative, which was included in the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005, formalizing a foundational role of guaranty agencies in promoting access to postsecondary education.
Guaranty agencies are state and nonprofit entities that, through their administration of the Federal Family Education Loan Program, inform students and parents of educational and financial aid opportunities and administer loans to borrowers. As part of their public service mission, guaranty agencies provide an extensive range of services and programs that increase awareness of the importance of higher education, the opportunities available, and the financial support offered.
Story posted November 07, 2006.
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