January 29, 2025 - The California Student Aid Commission, in partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College, will host a press conference on the importance of Financial Aid On Wednesday, February 11.
WHAT: The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in collaboration with Santa Rosa Junior College, is hosting a press conference to share the importance of financial aid and college access. The program will also recognize local high school counselors who work diligently to support students as they navigate the process of securing college financial aid. Financial aid completion rates among Sonoma County high school-age students are up 22 percent year over year for the 2026-27 academic year. In the 2024-25 academic year, Santa Rosa Junior College disbursed more than $44 million in federal, state, and institutional financial aid. These critical funds played a vital role in supporting students and expanding access to higher education across our campus community.
The press conference will be followed by a Cash for College workshop and a Financial Aid Fun Fair, where students and families can receive assistance with completing their financial aid applications.
WHO: The press conference will feature guest speakers:
- Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission
- Dr. Molly Senecal, Santa Rosa Junior College, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services
- Margaret Mann, Santa Rosa Junior College, Student Financial Services
- Gabriela Esquivel, Senior Program Manager 10,000 Degrees
- Victoria Viksne, California Student Aid Commission
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Press Conference: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Campus Events: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Newman Auditorium & Plover Hall
Santa Rosa Junior College
1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA
CONTACT: Register for the event by February 10 at this link.
For media inquiries, contact Sarah Pew at SRJC: spew@santarosa.edu
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The California Student Aid Commission currently serves over 2.2 million students and administers over $3.9 billion of student financial aid programs and services, including the Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, and the California Dream Act Application. The Commission serves as a resource for policymakers and the public on college affordability and financing issues, and advocates for policy changes to eliminate cost as a barrier to any qualified California student pursuing a higher education. Visit our website at www.csac.ca.gov or follow us on social media by clicking on our Link Tree.
Santa Rosa Junior College is one of the largest community colleges in California, serving more than 20,000 students annually with high-quality academic, career technical, and transfer programs.
