Ventura, CA – October 20, 2025 – 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.
“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)]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.
For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.