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Dear San Diego Unified Families,
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) window is now open. We encourage you and/or your student to create a FSA ID account. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for various student aid including federal, state, and school-based, as well as grants and scholarships. FAFSA funding can help pay for community college, a credential program and career technical schooling, or the traditional four-year college. The application window closes March 2, 2026.
The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Office has enhanced the FAFSA application process, making it more streamlined for users. These improvements include a simplified application with fewer questions and the use of the Direct Data Exchange Tool , which allows students and parents who have filed a U.S. tax return to securely transfer their tax information directly into their FAFSA form.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), which oversees the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), affirms its commitment to the success of all students and assures California students that their CADAA data will remain protected. CSAC allows students who would otherwise be eligible to complete the FAFSA to instead complete the CADAA to qualify for state aid only, providing a viable option for students and families concerned about adverse action by federal immigration enforcement. Undocumented and Dreamer students, who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, may use the CADAA to determine financial aid eligibility for California AB 540 students. Click here to learn more.
San Diego Unified will continue to follow state guidance regarding the best way to move forward advising our students of mixed status families, undocumented and DACA students. As a district, we are dedicated to standing with all of our students and families, ensuring that we offer support rooted in inclusivity and compassion. Please refer to the website (www.sdusdequity.com/protecting-students) that was created to help students, families and staff better understand their rights and access information about laws, resources and service providers.
The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), started in 2022 by the State of California, helps families save for college by providing funds for expenses like tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, and computer equipment. To see if your family is eligible for CalKIDS funding, simply click here.
FAFSA and CADAA help is available! Feel free to contact your high school counselor and/or visit our district Counseling and Guidance website for resources.
Mark your calendar to attend one of the All County Cash for College events where students will receive hands-on assistance with their FAFSA/CADAA application. Event sites will be set up around the county. Registration is not required but is encouraged. More details will be shared on the Counseling and Guidance website later this month.
10/18/25 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Morse High School
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZzXR5n66KAax96Jh9B5V2wZGuEuWbBvAzummRxGBtnra7KA/viewform
10/29/25 from 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. Virtual
Registration link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/meeting/register/OElpsrAbTUSuApCvNqn3Sw#/registration
11/15/25 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Canyon Hills High School
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8aD4LF5QmKAQIP0OUMQnHUpeppMAJEsm95eb6lVwRyrc5uw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100588674555279084972
11/19/25 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Virtual
Registration link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/meeting/register/M6b9ZTRtT52EG01b4OcmaQ#/registration
01/24/26 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Crawford High School
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF2RAX531BD9Hux2GizAY1G8DFOu0ikXcZ8S8-LuuP1ZRX5A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100588674555279084972
01/28/26 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Virtual
Registration link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/meeting/register/OE5NbtmaQt-IbQi4YSFSJQ#/registration
02/21/26 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Hoover High School
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4PKOXwTOU0DTJT1zQJ-wwtbMg5gG-S4v4EdnPGrDiB4mUNw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=100588674555279084972
02/25/26 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Virtual
Registration link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/meeting/register/Hbj5bDeVREiNgn6jsmv_Og#/registration