Cal Poly Pomona hosts Jumpstart Your College Journey: Your Guide to Financial Aid and Student Success
More than 80 % of students across the California State University system receive some kind of financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act application to help them earn a college degree.
To help prospective college students in the greater Los Angeles area understand their financial aid options and successfully complete an aid application, Cal Poly Pomona is hosting “Jumpstart Your College Journey: Your Guide to Financial Aid & Student Success” on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is open to all high school and community college students, families and supporters, and current CPP students. Admission to CPP is not required to attend.
Presented in partnership with UNITE-LA, the L.A Region K-16 Collaborative and California Student Aid Commission, the program is designed to help attendees access financial aid, understand college costs and learn about resources available to support their academic success. The Office of Student Success; Financial Aid & Scholarships; Outreach, Recruitment & Educational Partnerships are organizing the event, with additional support from Student Support & Equity Programs and the SchoolsFirst Credit Union.
“As the East Los Angeles County subregional convener for the L.A. Region K–16 Collaborative, we are thrilled to partner with Cal Poly Pomona to host Jumpstart Your College Journey: Your Guide to Financial Aid & Student Success. This event brings together two critical elements of college success: access and opportunity,” said Alysia Bell, president of UNITE-LA. “For over 23 years, through its role as the L.A. Cash for College Regional Coordinating Organization, UNITE-LA has helped hundreds of thousands of students and families navigate the financial aid process and unlock nearly $832 million in funding. By hosting events on a university campus like CPP, students don’t just learn about financial aid—they experience what their future could look like. This pairing of hands-on support with real-world exposure strengthens confidence, builds a sense of belonging, and makes college feel possible.”
At the event, students can receive one-on-one assistance with completing the FASFA and Dream Act application. The event will also feature presentations on financial literacy, and student support services. Workshops will be offered in both English and Spanish. Current CPP students are welcome to attend the drop-in application assistance portion of the event if they need help with their 2026-27 FAFSA or CA Dream Act application.
“At CPP we are continuing to seek opportunities that uplift our local communities and expand college access in the region,” said Cecilia Santiago-González, associate vice president of student success. “Jumpstart Your College Journey is just one of the ways CPP hopes to provide resources and hands-on assistance that can aid current and future students in navigating the path to higher education.”