Starting this school year (2022-23), high schools and school districts in California must meet the new Assembly Bill 469 requirement that high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) unless the student has formally submitted an opt-out waiver. The goal of “All In for FAFSA/CA Dream Act” is to expand access to financial aid to thousands of students who may have otherwise not been aware of these opportunities.
Many colleges require the FAFSA or Dream Act Application for merit based scholarships or even to be able to participate in different programs at the colleges. FAFSA or the Dream Act Application is not only for students who intend to apply for need-based scholarships or grants.
The FAFSA and Dream Act Application opened on October 1st. The State of California has a priority filing deadline of March 2nd. Many scholarships and grants are awarded on a first-file, first-awarded basis. Counselors at each school site are providing meetings with students and parent informational nights to help with the application process. Additional information about these parent nights will be sent out from the applicable school sites.
Online Application Links and Resources
FAFSA Application / CA Dream Act Application
FAFSA Worksheet / CA Dream Act worksheet
VCHS Counseling Website
VCHS Counselors
Mrs. Cook - cook.su@vcpusd.org (760) 751 5519 - Students A-L
Mrs. Brown - brown.ma@vcpusd.org (760) 751 0458 - Students M-Z
OGHS / VC Prep Counselor
Mrs. Mathew - matthew.co@vcpusd.org (760) 751 0455 - All Students
Please read here for more information on the bill and here if you need information on FAFSA and Dream Act. If you choose to opt out, VCPUSD will require the completion of an opt-out form that will be provided in January. Contact your student's counselors at VCHS, OGHS, or VC Prep for help and to answer any questions you may have.