The Californer - California Student Aid Commission Launches 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Cycle at Ventura College

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Financial aid applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle, and assistance is available through the state and federal call centers.

VENTURA, Calif. - Californer -- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in partnership with Ventura College and the Ventura College Foundation, kicked off the 2026-27 Statewide Financial Aid Application Cycle at a press conference held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Ventura College.

"We chose to launch the 2026-27 financial aid cycle in Ventura because there is something special here," said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. "From being able to support a student to pursue their college dreams, to understanding that financial aid is critical to help students stay enrolled, Ventura has the opportunity to continue its growth in completed financial aid applications while supporting students through their higher education journey."

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The event underscored the essential work of Ventura College, which was selected as the site for this year's official launch due to its leadership in college affordability and outreach and 10% increase in their 2025-26 financial aid applications.

"Ventura College is proud to be part of this statewide initiative and to assist students in taking the necessary steps to secure their financial future," said Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Acting President of Ventura College. "For our students here, financial aid means everything – it's not just about being able to pay for classes, it's being able to pay for housing and food.."

Throughout the press conference, speakers shared inspiring messages about the life-changing impact of financial aid and the importance of completing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

"Providing resources to students so they can access grants and apply for scholarships is a main goal for the college and the foundation," said Anne Paul King, Executive Director of Ventura College Foundation. "The more students who apply for financial aid, the more they will have the opportunity to secure support for their education and achieve their dreams. For anyone wishing to support Ventura College students through scholarships and basic needs, visit our website (https://venturacollegefoundation.org)."

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In addition to the press conference, a CSAC's Annual Statewide Financial Aid Workshop took place and was attended by over 150 high school counselors, administrators and community outreach partners who received live in person financial aid training.

Financial aid applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle, and assistance is available through the state and federal call centers.

For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.