Providing Dollars for Scholars through FAFSA and CAL Grants 2010-2011

1. Providing Dollars for Scholars through FAFSA and CAL Grants 2010-2011

2. Documents needed to Complete a FAFSA • Your Social Security Number It Must Be Correct • Name entered on FAFSA must match name on SS card • Your Drivers License • Your 2009 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned • Your (and your spouse’s if you are married 2009 fed tax return • IRS 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ • Foreign tax returns and tax returns from American territories • Your parent’s tax return if you are a dependent student • Your 2009 untaxed income records • Veterans noneducational benefits • Child support received • Workers Compensation • Your current bank statement know balance at end of month after bills payed • Your current business and investment mortgage information • Your alien registration or permanent registration number if not a US citizen.

3. MAKE COLLEGE A REALITY As a college counselor you can help students put college on the radar screen, identify sources of financial aid, and direct them with regards to questions that they need to consider • What are their educational goals? • Vocational Certificate? Two year Associate Degree? Four year bachelor’s degree- or do they have their sights set on a graduate or professional degree? • What type of college would best meet their interests? • A public or independent university, community college or private career college They should consider the size of the campus, location, urban or rural setting, campus culture, vocational programs, and athletic or arts opportunities. • Is the college program a good investment? • Ask about tuition/refund programs, academic/training programs, financial aid programs, graduate success rate in finding jobs, degree completion/transfer rates • Are there jobs in their chosen field and how well do they pay? • Check local college career center office and the Federal Occupational Handbook available online at http://www.bls.gov/OCO/and starting salaries at www.edwise.org • How much money will they need for college? • In addition to tuition and fees, they will need to pay for books, supplies and living expenses. • How will they pay for college? • Savings, grants , scholarships, loans, a job, or other options such as Americorps which provide an educational reward in return for voluntary service.

4. For Your Information • Apply for financial aid even before finding out if you have been accepted to to college. Otherwise you may miss out on scholarships, grants, and other free money for education • If you are mailing the FAFSA ,the Cal grant GPA Verification form, or any other application form, it’s a good idea to get a certificate of mailing from the post office ( $1.10 in addition to postage) as proof that you met the deadline. • If you submitted both your FAFSA and your verified CAL Grant GPA by the March 2 deadline but don’t receive a California Aid report or a letter by April 30th, or if you have questions, go to web grants for students at www.calgrants.org . If you don't hear from them, you can also call toll free 1-888-CA-GRANT (1-888-224-7268). If you don't get a Cal Grant, don't panic; contact the college you want to attend and find out what other financial aid is available. • Take a look at your E-mail addresses and make sure that it’s appropriate for corresponding with colleges, state agencies, lenders, and employers. If not, you may want to get another one.

5. You Should Know: Cal Grants are free money you don’t have to pay back. Apply by March 2 Financial aid can cover more than just tuition and books College isn’t just for the wealthy You don’t have to attend full time to get financial aid Money is set aside for foster youth To qualify for state and federal financial aid you must either be a US citizen, US permanent resident, and/or other eligible noncitizen. If you are an undocumented or under documented student you are not eligible for state or federal aid but in California you may be eligible for in state tuition rates at public colleges if you meet certain eligibility requirements These will be addressed later in the presentation. Completing the FAFSA is not as difficult as it seems. Consult your Fund Your Future Guidebook for additional information

6. What’s New High School Exit Exam If the CAHSEE was required for students to graduate, they must have passed the exam to qualify for a Cal Grant Entitlement or Cal Grant Competitive Award. More time to graduate High school seniors now have up to December 31 of the award year to complete the high school graduation requirement to be considered for a Cal Grant Entitlement Award. Students who meet this deadline – and who meet all other Cal Grant requirements could start receiving their Cal grants the next school term. New Graduate Certification Form Before Colleges can disburse funds to new Cal Grant Entitlement Recipients, they must have on file either an authoritative document of high-school graduation or a self-certification of high school graduation. The California High School Graduation Certification Form (G8) form must be completed by the student who then must forward it to his or her college Appeals for late GPA’s Cal Grant Entitlement Applicants who were unable to submit their verified cal Grant GPA until after the March 2 deadline because of circumstances beyond their control can now appeal their Cal Grant denial. In a letter to the Commission, they must explain the circumstances beyond their control that prevented them from submitting their verified GPA by the deadline.

7. 10 Important things to qualify for most federal and state aid, you must • Submit your FAFSA by the deadline (3/02/10) • Submit other necessary forms • Verified Cal Grant GPA (3/02/10) • Demonstrate financial need • Have HS diploma or its equivalent or pass an ability to benefit exam (federal aid only) • Be a US Citizen or eligible non citizen • Be a California resident (for most state aid) • Enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program approved by the US Dept of Ed. • Have a social security number • Register withSelective service. (males) Registration can be completed as FAFSA is filled. • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (Attend classes regularly and keep grades up)

8. To help students use FAFSA on the Web • Apply for a PIN or personal identification right away at WWW.pin.ed.gov so they can electronically sign their FAFSA for faster processing. If they are dependent students one of their parents should also get a pin. • Complete the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet ahead of time before doing the FAFSA online. It lists the FAFSA questions in the same order as those on FAFSA on the web. • Review the FAFSA carefully and print out a copy for their records before transmitting it. Students should also keep copies of all worksheets and other financial data in case their college asks to see them. • Provide an E-mail address so that they will get an electronic message within minutes of transmitting their FAFSA confirming that the application was received. Students should be sure to keep and print a copy of their confirmation. It will also include an estimate of their EFC. • Use the Pin to electronically sign the FAFSA. If they or their parents do not have a pin they can print, sign and mail the signature page within 7 days. Students who do not have a PIN or a printer can still use FAFSA on the WEB.– they will simply receive a SAR without an EFC that they must sign and return before their EFC will be calculated. Another Option is for students to E-sign and a parent may mail in their signature page. • Avoid peak hours. Students will receive faster results. • Follow up on the status of the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov by using their PIN ( select “Check status of a submitted FAFSA under FAFSA follow-up even if they filed a paper FAFSA. • Check their E-mail regularly and look for messages from the US dept. of Education directing them to their student SAR (student Aid Report). Students should make sure that their SAR will be delivered. • To learn more about FAFSA go to WWW.FAFSA.ED.GOV or call toll free 1-8004FED.AID1-800-4333243

9. PIN Information • A PIN is a 4-digit number that is used in combination with your Social Security Number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as FAFSA on the Web. • The security of your PIN is important because it can be used to: • Electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents • Access your personal records, and • Make binding legal obligations. • While or after completing a FAFSA on the Web application, you and your parents (if you are a dependent student) will need to sign your FAFSA. We cannot process your FAFSA until we receive your signature(s). Using a PIN to sign your FAFSA electronically is by far the fastest and most reliable way. However, you can print, sign and mail in a signature page, or provide signature(s) on your paper Student Aid Report (SAR). • Tip: You may use your PIN for the duration of your school experience and beyond. The PIN stays the same. • If you or your parents do not already have a PIN, we encourage you to apply for one. You can apply for a PIN while completing a FAFSA on the Web application, or you can go to the Federal Student Aid PIN Web site at www.pin.ed.gov to apply.

10. FAFSA on the Web Worksheet FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov in both English and Spanish starting January 1 Before you begin allow time to gather records of income earned during the previous calendar year. Gather all of the following that apply to you: • Your social security card and driver’s license or state ID • W-2 forms or other records of income earned • Your federal income tax and your spouse’s if you are married; • Your parent’s federal income tax returns; • Records of other untaxed income received , such as welfare benefits (TANF), Social Security benefits, child support received, payments to IRA’s/401(k)s, • Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, or other investments; • Business or farm records, if applicable. • Your alien registration number (if you are not a US Citizen.) Additional worksheets to help complete the FAFSA can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/worksheet.htm DON’T FORGET: With a Pin you can quickly file online.

11. Their income and their parents income The current net value of their assets and their parent’s assets The age of the oldest parent living in household The number of family members in the household The number family members other than parents in college in the coming year Their state of legal residence Their parent’s state of legal residence Their income and assets and if married, their spouses income and assets The number of children and other dependents in their family The number of family members attending college during the coming academic year. Their state of legal residence. Expected Family Contribution The amount students and their families can be expected to contribute toward the year’s college expenses is also known as the EFC For dependent students, their EFC will take into account: For independent students their EFC will take into account:

12. Dependent or Independent? • Whether you're a dependent or an independent student will determine whose financial aid information you’ll need to report on the FAFSA and the types and amounts of aid that you may be eligible to receive. • You're considered an independent student if at least one of the following situations describes you - • Not whether you live on your own, or if your parents no longer lists you as a dependent on their tax return or feel its not their responsibility to help you pay for college. • You were born before January 1, 1987 • You’ll be working on a master's or doctorate degree or graduate certificate in the fall of 2010 • You’re married as of the date that you complete the FAFSA. • You have children who receive more than half their support from you. • You have dependents other than your spouse or children who live with you and receive more than half their support from you. • You have no living parent (biological or adoptive ) when you were age 13, or older even if you are now adopted. • You are or were in foster care or were a ward or dependent of the court at any time when you were 13 or older (even if you aren’t any more). • You're an emancipated minor or are in legal guardianship as determined by the court in your state of legal residence. • You're a self-supporting unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. • You’re a veteran of the US Armed Forces (or will be a veteran as of Jun30, 2011) or you attended a service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable. • You’re currently serving on active duty (other than training ) in the US Armed Forces. • In unusual circumstances a college financial aid officer can make a professional judgment concerning a student’s dependency status on a case by case basis and each student’s file must contain appropriate documentation of the student’s extenuating circumstances. • In such circumstances a student may be required to submit a letter from a professional , a counselor , pastor, or psychologist as well as a personal statement of their unique situation.

13. Professional Judgment for Overriding Dependency Status • Dependency status is determined by specific criteria and can be changed only by a financial aid administrator (FAA) in unusual circumstances. • Students can not be determined to be independent just because • The parents for privacy reasons do not want to provide financial information. • The parents don’t feel it’s their responsibility to provide their children assistance • The parents no longer claim their child as a dependent on their taxes. • The student no longer lives at home. • Students should contact the FAA if • Student has no contact with parents and does not know their whereabouts. • The student left home due to an abusive situation that can be documented • FAA can make adjustments on FAFSA which reflect special financial circumstances • Family has large medical bills not covered by insurance. • Family is paying unusually high elementary/secondary school tuition • The student/parent has recently lost his/her job • FAA is required to assess situations on a case by case basis and make changes based on special circumstances that the student can appropriately document. The FAA is not required to adjust dependency status or financial elements on the FAFSA. The FAA decision in this regard is final and can not be appealed to the Dept of Education

14. Which parent’s financial information should you use on your FAFSA • It doesn’t matter who claimed you as a tax exemption. For divorced or separated parents: Give answers for the parent that you lived with the most during the past 12 months. ( If you didn’t live with one parent more than with the other, then answer for the parent who provided more support during the past 12 months.) If your parent is widowed or single, answer the question about that parent. If your widowed parent has remarried as of the day you complete the FAFSA, answer the questions about that parent and the person your parent married (your stepparent). • If you don’t know where your parents are or you left home due to irreconcilable differences , let your high school counselor or college financial aid office know. • For the FAFSA, the following people are not your parents unless they have adopted you: foster parents, legal guardians or older brothers or sisters. (For the education level question, answer for your biological or adoptive parents only)

15. Are You Eligible? To qualify for a Cal Grant you must: • Submit the FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline (March 2, 2010) • be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen ( your parents don’t need to be) • be a California resident • meet any minimum GPA requirements • have a Social Security number • attend a qualifying California college • not have a bachelor’s or professional degree (except for the Cal Grant extended awards for a teaching credential program. • have financial need based on your college costs and your EFC • have family income and assets below the maximum levels • be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate • be enrolled alt least half time • have registered with US Selective Service (males 18-25) • not owe a refund on a state or federal grant, or be in default on a student loan 2.0 GPA & 2 Forms & 1 Deadline = Up to $9,700 Minimum FAFSA March 2 Annually GPA Verification

16. The Cal Grant GuaranteeDon’t miss out • How to apply for a Cal Grant • Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible starting January 1 and no later than the postmark (or electronically transmitted) deadline of March 2 • Submit your verified Cal Grant GPA (or GED,SAT or ACT under some circumstances) by the March 2 deadline. • If you’re a high school senior, you must apply for a Cal Grant Entitlement award between Jan 1 and March 2 of your senior year or by March 2 of the year after you graduate or receive your GED • If you plan to attend a California Community College in the fall, you have a second deadline of September 2. However you should try to meet the March 2 deadline because there are a limited number of cal grant awards available to students who apply in the fall. • You’re guaranteed to receive a Cal Grant award if you: • are a high school senior • meet all the requirements • have financial need* • apply by March 2 • graduate from a California high school • Financial need is determined by whether your family falls under established income and asset limits • When can you apply? • In your senior year • Within one year after graduating from high school or receiving your GED • As a a California Community College student if you meet the requirements • Cal Grants awards are based on full time attendance so if you attend less than full time, your award may be reduced. To receive your cal grant, you must be enrolled at least half time (at least 6 semester units or its equivalent)

17. California Residency • Unmarried students under age 18 are legal California residents if a parent is a legal California resident as of the application deadline for a state aid program, or they have lived in California for two years with a responsible nonparent adult who is a legal California resident as of the application deadline • Students whose parents are living out of the country are considered California residents if • They are under the age of 18 and have been living under the direct care and control of a California resident for at least two years as of the application deadline for the state aid program or • Their parents have maintained their California residence during their absence from the state or • One of their parents is in the US Armed Forces, stationed in California and on active duty as of the first day of their college class. • All married students, regardless of their age and all unmarried students 18 years or older must establish their own residency. If students will be 18 years of age or older as of the application deadline for the state aid program, they must have lived in California for at least one year immediately before this date to be considered a California resident. • The above information provides a general framework of reference. Contact Local College for updated information since above information can change and residency is determined at the campus level. • Additional information can be obtained at http://www.cpec.ca.gov/CollegeGuide/Residency.asp

18. Cal Grants and the High School Exit Exam • The high school exit examor CAHSEE is a requirement for most California public high school students who graduated during or after the 2005-2006 school year. If the CAHSEE was required for you to graduate, you must have passed the exam to qualify for a Cal Grant. If you graduated before the CAHSEE went into effect, you may qualify for a Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award or a Cal Grant competitive award without having to pass the CAHSEE. • If you’re a high school senior you have until December 31 of the award year to complete your high school graduation requirements and be considered for a Cal Grant Entitlement award. If you meet this deadline and all other cal grant Requirements, -- you can start receiving your Cal Grant benefits the next school term.

19. Academic Competitive Grant and the FAFSA • Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) • The Academic Competitiveness Grant was made available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for first-year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second-year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. • How Much Can a Student Receive? • An Academic Competitiveness Grant provides $750 for the first year of study and $1,300 for the second year. Note: The amount of the ACG, when combined with a Pell Grant, may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. In addition, if the number of eligible students is large enough that payment of the full grant amounts would exceed the program appropriation in any fiscal year, then the amount of the grant to each eligible student may be ratably reduced. • Recognized Rigorous Secondary School Programs of Study • For qualifying for an ACG, any one of several programs meet the "rigorous secondary school program of study" requirement: • The best alternative for preparing Alt Ed students to meet the criteria is outlined in point 5. • This program of study requires passing grades in the following: • Four years of English; • Three years of math (including Algebra I and a higher level course such as Algebra II, geometry, or data analysis and statistics); • Three years of science, including one year each of at least two of the following courses: biology, chemistry, and physics; • Three years of social studies; and • One year of a language other than English. • Further updated information can be found at • http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/AcademicGrants.jsp?tab=funding

20. ATB TESTA path to Federal Financial Aid for those without a HS Diploma • Ability to Benefit (ATB) • In December 1990 the US Department of Education issued a policy requiring the testing of students who did not possess a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) credential but who wished both to: 1) enroll in post secondary education, and 2) apply for federal financial aid. Passing an appropriate test at the specified level would indicate that the candidate has sufficient "ability to benefit" (ATB) from post secondary education and consequently that the application process for federal financial aid could begin. • To be eligible for federal financial aid, a student must: • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen • Have a valid Social Security number • Be in compliance with Selective Service registration (male students only) • Have "financial need" as determined by Federal methodology need analysis • Have one of the following as part of his/her educational preparation: • high school diploma; OR • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR • take the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) test and obtain a passing score - call the Financial Aid Office for further information • ABILITY TO BENEFIT (ATB) for Financial Aid Qualification at Cabrillo College • These tests will assist you in qualifying for Financial Aid. The tests will show the federal government that you have the ability to benefit from college courses. • Requirements:   •   Picture ID •   Know your social security # or Cabrillo College ID # • Sorry, you must make your own arrangements for childcare. • To schedule an Appointment: • Call the Assessment Center at 477-3516 •  Further information is available at http://www.cabrillo.edu/services/assessment/EnterTitleAbilitytoBenefit.htm

21. In-State Tuition For Undocumented Students California’s AB540 allows qualifying students including undocumented immigrant students to pay in-state tuition fees at public colleges and universities. Who qualifies for AB 540 Students must meet all the following requirements 1. Attend a California high school for 3 or more years 2. Graduate from a California High school or receive the equivalent of a high school diploma such as a GED or CHSPE 3. Be registered or currently enrolled in one of the three state institutions of higher learning ( UC , CSU, or California Community College) 4.If students are undocumented immigrants they must file an affidavit with the college or university stating that they meet the law’s requirements and will file an application to adjust their immigration status as soon as possible. (All of the information submitted to a college or university including the AB540 affidavit is protected by federal and state law and must be kept CONFIDENTIAL Financing Education for AB 540 students 1. Donations from teachers ,principals, etc. many people are willing to help support you. Don’t be afraid to ask 2. Scholarships: undocumented students are eligible for many private scholarships. For scholar ship information check out: http://www.dreamactivist.org/faq/education/scholarships/ 3. This is a valuable attachment that includes bay area scholarships: EF4C_scholarships 4. Fundraisers can also be used Know yours rights Do not use false information in the application process because it can jeopardize your ability to adjust your immigration status in the future

22. California Chafee GrantFree Money for foster youth for career or technical training or college • You may also be able to use your grant to pay for child care, transportation, and rent while you are in school. • You can use your Chafee grant at any eligible school as well as schools in other states. • To qualify you must : • be a current or former foster youth • Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year • Have financial need • For more information please check the California Chafee Grant Web site at https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/

23. California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth If you are or were in foster care and have financial need may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career or technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. To qualify, you must be a current or former foster youth and not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July one of the awarding year. The court must have established your dependency when you were between the ages of 16 and 19 ( Kingap youth, adopted youth, guardian placement, and voluntary placement may not be eligible for the Chafee Grant ,unless court dependence was established at anytime between the ages of 16 and 19. the California Department of Social cervices will verify your foster youth eligibility status. In addition, you must have financial need . Your school must report your financial need by submitting a Needs Analysis Report. Please refer to the following web site http://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/ Scholarships and Services for Foster Youth The California Youth Connection at www.calyouthconn.org offers information and resources to help improve the lives of foster youth. You will also find more information of the Guardian Scholars programs which provide scholarships for former foster youth at a growing number of colleges (select “legislation” then “resources” then “guardian Scholars” Scholarships for foster youth are also available through the Casey Family Scholars Program which is administered by the Orphan Foundation of America. For more information, go to www.orphan.org Some colleges also offer their own tuition wavers and scholarships for foster youth To learn more students can go to www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov or call the California Foster Care Ombudsman toll free at I-877-846-1602

24. FAFSA 2009: New Questions Pertaining to Homeless and Foster Youth Formerly consisted of a single question, and did not address homelessness as explicitly. Changes the lower age limit from 16 to 13. New questions collect better information and introduce new questions about verification. Important for those working with foster youth to answer these questions accurately!

25. FAFSA 2009: Question 55 At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court? Answer Yes: If you had no living parent, biological or adoptive, when you were 13 years or older, even if you are adopted now. Answer Yes: Were in foster care at age 13 years or older, even if you are not in foster care today. Answer Yes: Were dependant/ward of the court at 13 years or older, even if you are no longer a dependant /ward today.

26. FAFSA 2009: Questions 56 & 57 Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence? Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?

27. FAFSA 2009: Questions 56 & 57 Answer Yes: If you can provide a copy of a court’s decision that you are an emancipated minor or are in legal guardianship. The court must be located in your state of legal residence. If you can provide a copy of a court’s decision that you were an emancipated minor or were in legal guardianship immediately before you reached the age of being an adult in your state. The court must be located in your state of legal residence at the time the court’s decision was issued. Answer No: If the court order is no longer in effect or the court decision was not in effect at the time you become an adult.

28. At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? FAFSA 2009 Questions 58, 59 & 60

29. FAFSA 2009 Questions 58, 59 & 60 Answer Yes: If you received a determination at any time on or after July 1, 2008, that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or, for question 60, at risk of being homeless Homeless means lacking fixed, regular and adequate shelter, including living in shelters, motels, cars or temporary living with others Unaccompanied means you are not living in the physical custody of your parents/guardian Youth means you are 21 yrs of are or younger or are still enrolled in high school when signing this application

30. Answer No: If you are not homeless, at risk of being homeless or if you do not have a determination. **You should contact your financial aid office for assistance if you do not have a determination but believe you are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or are an unaccompanied youth providing for your own living expenses who is at risk of being homeless. FAFSA 2009 Questions 58, 59 & 60

31. Homelessness Verification Letter high school or school district homeless liaison emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program

32. CASH FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOPS AT CABRILLO Refer to Cabrillo College Financial Aid Website for dates of financial aid workshops at Aptos And Watsonville campuses. A financial aid workshop will also be conducted at the SCCOE computer lab in late February by a Cabrillo College Financial Aid Advisor. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 1:00 thru 3:00 PM. Further information will be sent via email. Make sure you bring: •Your social security card and driver’s license or state ID •W-2 forms or other records of income earned •Your federal income tax and your spouse’s if you are married; •Your parent’s federal income tax returns; •Records of other untaxed income received, such as welfare benefits (TANF), Social Security benefits, child support received, payments to IRA’s/401(k)s, •Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, or other investments; •Business or farm records, if applicable. •Your alien registration number (if you are not a US Citizen.) •FILL OUT WORKSHEETS A, B, and C before you get started. If you are graduating in Jan 2010 and starting school in February 2010 you will need to bring tax records from the year 2008 in order to get financial aid covering the period from February thru June 30, 2010 in addition to your records for calendar year 2009 to cover the school year 2010--2011.