In her latest newsletter, State Assemblymember Mia Bonta shared academic resources “designed to uplift students seeking higher education in District 18 and beyond.” Citing frustrations over delays with last year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Bonta encouraged students to proactively prepare for opportunities and financial support in higher academic institutions.

Bonta noted that despite a statewide deficit, “this year’s budget reflected the priorities of having every student eligible for financial aid, livable wages for teachers and professors, and robust TK-12 priorities.”
Her newsletter, “Maximize your Education: Financial Aid and Scholarships,” provides information about academic financial aid, scholarships, and educational support for students pursuing their educational goals. The newsletter is divided into four sections, each with their own subsections. It seems like a lot, but the information is well organized and easy to access online:
Section 1: California Student Aid Commission and FAFSA.
- California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
- California Dream Act; California Community Colleges Financial Aid.
- California State University (CSU) and the University of California.
- California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (CASFAA).
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Section 2: Scholarships and Financial Management.
- California Service Corps, $10K College Corps Fellowship.
- Scholarships.
- FastWeb personalized scholarship recommendations.
Section 3: How to Apply to the University of California and California State University.
- University of California Application for Freshman and Transfer Class of 2025—how to apply.
- California State University Application for Freshman and Transfer Class of 2025—apply.
- California Community Colleges in Assembly District 18.
- Laney College, Oakland.
- Merritt College, Oakland.
- College of Alameda.
Section 4: Student Loan Debt Management.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
- California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Student Loans.
Take a look, learn about your options, and enjoy your educational opportunities.