Cal-SOAP Core Programs

CA$H FOR COLLEGE (CFC)
The mission of Cash for College is a state wide campaign to assist low-income and First Generation College bound students complete the application process so they can access Financial Aid for education career/technical training beyond high school.

Cash For College workshops are free and are held during the months of January and February across California to help fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the GPA Verification Form required for Cal Grants. Assistance is provided one-on-one by Financial Aid experts.

Most workshops provide help in Spanish and other languages depending on the needs of communities, and some may provide volunteer income tax assistance for low-income parents.

To find out more about when and where workshops will be held in your area please visit: http://www.calgrants.org

I’M GOING TO COLLEGE (IGTC)
The I’m Going to College Program is designed to educate fifth grade students and their parents about the advantages of a college education and to help them believe that college is an attainable goal so they will choose the college bound path. IGTC introduces students to the idea that going to college is a real possibility. IGTC targets elementary school children who attend schools in low-income and/or underserved areas.

In this program students are given a six-week college curriculum and then are invited to a local college campus to experience a day in the life of a college student. They tour the campus, attend a college class, and interact with real college students on a college panel. After their college adventure CalSOAP hosts a graduation ceremony to celebrate the students’ commitment to their futures.

Key elements of the IGTC Program:

• Teacher Orientation
• Parent Orientation- Kick off
• Six-Week Curriculum
• College Adventure Day (College visit)
• IGTC Graduation Ceremony

COLLEGE: MAKING IT HAPPEN! (CMIH)
College: Making it Happen is a program whose mission is to disseminate information regarding the academic and financial planning that students and parents must embark on to increase postsecondary educational options available to students. The purpose of CMIH is to encourage parents and students to take an active role in planning for postsecondary educational opportunities. Through the CMIH activities students and parents will obtain the necessary tools to move forward in their students’ academic careers.

Some examples of College: Making It Happen! Activities include:

• Classroom Presentations
• School Assemblies
• Student and Parent Conferences
• Parent Nights

TRANSFER: MAKING IT HAPPEN! (TMIH)
Transfer: Making it Happen program provides Community College and transfer information to high school students headed to Community College. The purpose of TMIH is assist students in their academic and financial planning as well as resources to help them be successful at the Community College in order to transfer to a Four-year institution in a timely and successful manner. Students will be given general advisement, mentoring and academic support through tutoring, workshops, college visits and/or presentations.

Key elements of TMIH:

• Financial Aid planning
• College Application Process
• Enrollment in Community College Support Programs
• Placement Test
• Community College Follow Up