Attention - Important Announcements!
Guidance Related Temporary Pause in Federal Financial Assistance Programs
This is an important update regarding recent announcements from the White House about a temporary pause in certain federal financial assistance programs. Based on the latest information and guidance from the Department of Education, Title IV programs, including Pell Grant and Direct Student Loans, are NOT impacted by this pause.
For more details, please refer to the official electronic announcement from Federal Student Aid: Guidance Related to Temporary Pause in Federal Financial Assistance Programs.
California Wildfires and FAFSA/CADAA Deadline Postponement for Impacted Areas
As many families in our state continue to work with authorities on evacuation and other related efforts to remain safe, CSAC is communicating that the March 3, 2025 state financial aid application priority deadline is effectively postponed to April 2, 2025 for all high schools and colleges within the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Visit the CSAC for more information and resouces when ready to apply for financial assistance through the FAFSA or CADAA.
Financial Aid Application Updates
The 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Financial aid applications are now available online, so file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) now!
The 2024-25 FAFSA and CADAA applications are all new! And along with that, comes new terminology, which can be confusing.
When completing the 2024-2025 application, please read the information requested carefully. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact the financial aid staff at your college, who are there to help you. We recommend you also take advantage and complete the 2025-2026 application now. The state deadline is soon approaching. The March 3, 2025 state financial aid application priority deadline is effectively postponed to April 2, 2025 for all high schools and colleges within the Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
FAFSA and Dream Act Application workshops will also be available to assist with your application process. Please visit our Financial Aid Website regularly to obtain the latest information and/or workshop dates, times, and locations.
For more information on the FAFSA application process, please go to our FAFSA Simplification Act page. For details regarding the Dream Act application process, go to dream.csac.ca.gov . The U.S. Department of Education has created the FAFSA Issue Alerts page to address the issues relating to the 2024-2025 FAFSA application process.
Click here for more information about Mixed-Status Families. Mixed-status families are those in which you have a Social Security Number (SSN); however, your parents or a spouse do not have a Social Security Number (non-SSN FAFSA contributor).
For more detailed information on how to complete the application process at ELAC, click here!
Remember, all nine colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) are here to assist you with your educational journey!
Financial Aid Events
Cash for College Workshop - 25-26 FAFSA/Dream Act Applications
Learn about all financial aid options and receive one-on-one assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (for eligible AB540 students). Foster Youth presentation available as well.
By attending a Cash for College Workshop you could be eligible for a Scholarship of up to $1500!
Come and learn about the following;
- Financial aid process/programs/deadlines
- Cal Grant (March 3rd Deadline*)
- Chafee Grant Program
- And much more…
Deadline for Financial State Aid March 3, 2025*
Free refreshments and giveaways!
WHEN: Saturday March 15, 2025
Workshop Times
- 9:00am - 10:00am
- 10:00am - 11:00am
- 11:00am - 12:00pm
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Please arrive 20 minutes early for registration.
WHERE: Building E7 (free parking)
More details soon to come!
*As many families in our state continue to work with authorities on evacuation and other related efforts to remain safe, CSAC is communicating that the March 3, 2025 state financial aid application priority deadline is effectively postponed to April 2, 2025 for all high schools and colleges within the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Visit the CSAC for more information and resouces when ready to apply for financial assistance through the FAFSA or CADAA.
Connect with the Financial Aid Office
Connect with our staff through one of our 4 service platforms; Live Chat, In-Person, phone, and email. Services will vary by platform. Read the descriptions below to determine which option is best suited for you. Be advised that access to your personal information will require us to verify your identity. You may be asked to present valid photo identification.
Southeast Campus - Closed as of June 2024
SouthEast Campus: The last day on campus will be December 18th and we will return January 6, 2025.
Starting in June 2024, we'll bid farewell to our beloved ELAC South Gate Educational Center in South Gate as we pave the way for our future home just down the street. While the new campus takes shape, we're committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all our students.
Financial Aid and other essential resources will continue to be available at the ELAC Southeast Campus, use the link below for more information on our current South Gate locations. We recommend that students at our Southeast Campus reach out to us virtually or in person at our Monterey Park campus until the transition office opens in Fall 2024.
Click here for information on the ELAC Southeast Campus transition.
Live Chat With Our Staff
You may live chat with our staff using Cranium Café. This option is meant to answer individual, easy to answer questions regarding financial aid status and most office processes. Chat will typically be limited to 5-10 minutes. Please have the information listed below already typed so that when asked, you’ll be able to cut and paste your responses to expedite the services. Be advised that access to your personal information will require us to verify your identity. You may be asked to present valid photo identification.
- Full name
- Student ID number
- Detailed question(s) regarding your financial aid. Please include the specific term you are referencing to.
Our current schedule is:
Monday –Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Just simply click on the "Live Chat With Staff" during the scheduled hours above. A different message will appear when Live Chat is not available. Use Google Chrome or Mozilla FireFox as a browser and try not to use a mobile device to be able to use all features.
In-Person Services & Lab
Our office is open for in-person services in the event that our virtual services do not work for you. Our lab is also open and available for use. Be advised that access to your personal information will require us to verify your identity. You may be asked to present valid photo identification.
Important Note: If you need assistance with certain document(s), please bring it with you so we will have a better understanding of your questions and provide better assistance. If 2024-2025 FAFSA/Dream Act assistance is required, be sure to bring 2022 income information. For 2025-2026 FAFSA/Dream Act assistance is required, be sure to bring 2023 income information.
Our in-person service schedule is:
Monday –Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1st Saturday of the month: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Note: No computer lab services
Phone
Our phone service option would be ideal when asking a general financial aid question that does not require any personal information. We may be able to clarify information being requested of you but may require a call back or that you email us directly.
Students may reach us at the following phone numbers;
- Main Office – (323) 265-8738
Our current schedule is:
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Our email is always available. We highly recommend this option when requesting specific details regarding your financial aid record or just cannot reach us during our regular business hours. You can email us at @email using your LACCD email account. Please have the following information already typed so that when asked, you’ll be able to cut and paste your responses to expedite the services.
- Full name
- Student ID number
- Detailed question(s) regarding your financial aid. Please include the specific term/year you are referencing to.
Our office will reply within 72 hours but may take longer depending on the content of the email and volume of emails received.
Scholarships
Information & Tips
Scholarships are gifts awarded to students offered through community groups, individual donors, and foundations, such as the ELAC Foundation. Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership, talent, and/or community service. However, eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines vary by program.
There are millions of scholarships and millions of dollars out there. Chances are you can find at least one that aligns with your strengths and interests. Using multiple search engines– and diligently exploring the many awards out there– can improve your chances of winning a scholarship award. Keep in mind that even if you do not win a scholarship one year, many accept applications on an annual or rolling basis, so reapplication may be both simple and worthwhile.
As you begin your search for scholarships to help you pay for school, here are some key tips that can make it possible for you to maximize your chances of success:
- Apply for as many scholarships as you can: The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of earning them get. Don’t dismiss small awards, either. Several small scholarships can add up.
- Get second opinions on your essays: Ask a parent or school counselor to review your essays and give feedback before you submit them.
- Stay organized: Make sure you meet deadlines and keep track of the scholarships you have already applied for so you don’t miss opportunities. If you’re applying for many scholarships, keep a spreadsheet to track the scholarship names, deadlines and application statuses.
- Start early and keep looking: Start long before you need to make your first payment for school. Many scholarships become available once you’re in ninth grade. Once you’re out of high school, don’t stop searching for scholarships. Keep looking for opportunities while you’re in school.
- Use all available resources: To find scholarships that apply to you, use any resources you have available. Use multiple scholarship search engines, and check with your school’s financial aid office to see if any institutional or departmental scholarships are available. If you’re still in high school, ask your school counselor for help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for more tips from resources around you. Local universities and community colleges may offer scholarship workshops where you can learn more tips or have someone look over your essays.
Available Scholarships
Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW) has scholarships available through Subordinate Parlors in your area. Applicants must be sponsored by Parlor.
Applicants must:
- Be sponsored by Parlor
- Be members or eligible to affiliate with NDGW, or have familial relationship to a member. Veterans or their dependents, active-duty personnel, or nursing school applicants are exempt from this requirement.
Aplicartions must include the supporting documents listed in the application. For further information, please contact:
Chairman Dwan Dunlap, PGP at NDGW.edu@gmail.com or 805-395-0113
Award amount rage from $850 to $2000
Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW) Scholarships
Application Deadline: Postmarked by April 11, 2025
The Real Estate Education Scholarship Program is designed for eligible, economically disadvantaged students who are interested in pursuing a career in real estate. By providing financial assistance to cover the cost of attending a California community college, the program can help break down financial barriers that might otherwise prevent these students from pursuing their educational goals.
Scholarship Funds
Funds are determined each year by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office based on annual investment earnings of the scholarship endowment.
A total of $60,000 is available for the academic year 2024-25 with the following award amounts:
- $600 per semester, adjusted proportionately for quarter term colleges
- $1,200 per academic year
How to Apply
Students: Submit your application to your Community College Financial Aid or Scholarship Office. Scholarships will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to apply to your Community College Scholarship or Financial Aid Office as early as possible!
2024-25 Real Estate Endowment Scholarship Application
2024-25 Real Estate Endowment Scholarship Guidelines
Student application period: September 2, 2024 – April 30, 2025 or until all funds are allocated.
Check Your Financial Aid Status
Now you can complete most of your financial aid documentation request online at elac.studentforms.com
To check your financial aid status, log into your Student Portal at mycollege.laccd.edu
Pathway to Success Workshops
This workshop is designed to:
- Meet the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) disqualification petition requirement,
- Gain a better understanding of the financial aid SAP policy, Appeal Process, and federal aid regulations that affect your eligibility.
Students that are SAP Ineligible must appeal to regain financial aid eligiblity. In addition to the appeal and supporting documentation, students must complete the Pathway to Success Workshop each academic year. The workshop may be completed online or in-person. Each in-person workshop is limited to the number participants.
To complete the online workshop, click Online Pathway to Success Appeal Workshop
To RSVP for an in-person workshop, come in to our office or Connect With a Financial Aid Staff
Resources
