Monday, February 9, 2026

Free Workshop Offers One-on-One Federal Student Aid Application Help Before March 2 Deadline

College Access Plan hosts financial aid completion night Wednesday at Altadena’s Collaboratory

Students and families who have not yet filed for college financial aid can get free, one-on-one help completing their applications Wednesday evening in Altadena — less than three weeks before California’s priority deadline.

College Access Plan, a Pasadena-based nonprofit that partners with the Pasadena Unified School District, is hosting a Financial Aid Completion Night on February 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd. Advisors will walk attendees through the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, and the California Dream Act Application, or CADAA, which allows undocumented students to apply for state financial aid.

The California priority deadline for both applications is March 2, according to the California Student Aid Commission. Students who miss it may lose eligibility for Cal Grants and other state-funded aid.

The event is free and open to high school seniors, college students, and their families. The organization’s announcement did not indicate whether registration is required.

Founded in 2006, College Access Plan provides no-cost college readiness advising at PUSD high schools and middle schools, according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit, headquartered in Pasadena, serves nearly 3,000 students and family members annually and has set a goal of 100% FAFSA or CADAA completion for all eligible PUSD 12th graders, according to a CAP grant application.

According to figures cited by CAP, 90% of students who complete financial aid applications enroll in a postsecondary institution after high school graduation, compared with 50% of students who do not complete the applications.

The Collaboratory, where the event will be held, is the physical hub of the Eaton Fire Collaborative. It opened in October 2025 at 540 W. Woodbury Rd. in Altadena and serves as a central space for fire survivors to access recovery resources and community services.

The FAFSA is used to apply for federal student aid including Pell Grants, federal work-study, and federal loans. The CADAA is California’s state financial aid application for undocumented students, providing access to state and university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants, according to the California Student Aid Commission. Both applications opened October 1, 2025.

Questions about the event can be directed to efc@collegeaccessplan.org.