Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
California To Expand Alternative Financial Aid Application To Students From Mixed-Status Families
Since the new FAFSA launched on Dec. 30, 2023, the form has only been available for short periods of time. That changed this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. Education Department said applicants will now have 24-hour access.
(
Screenshot by NPR
)
Topline:
The California Student Aid Commission announced Tuesday that they will offer an alternative financial aid application option for students who are U.S. citizens but have at least one parent without a Social Security number.
Why it matters: These students will use the California Dream Act Application to apply for financial aid to attend a University of California, California State University or California Community Colleges campus.
The backstory: In recent months, the new online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, has been plagued with delays and problems. U.S. citizens from mixed-status families have faced logistical challenges with the new application. Although the U.S. Department of Education said these issues had been fixed for students from mixed-status families, some have continued to face problems.
What's next: All students have until May 2 to complete a Dream Act application or FAFSA to meet California’s priority deadline.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
