FAFSA Application Now Open: Kern Leaders Urge Students to Apply Early

Apply Now: that’s the message from the Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation (Y2LEF) as the application period officially opened today for the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Y2LEF teamed up with the Kern Regional K-16 Education Collaborative and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) to host a news conference highlighting financial aid opportunities here in Kern County. Local education leaders and community officials joined the conference, stressing the importance of access to higher education.

“University education is not a privilege for some; it is a promise for all,” said Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr., president of California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). “In the quest to break down barriers and expand justice, no instrument is more powerful than an educated mind.”

Harper celebrated CSUB’s recent milestone of awarding $42.5 million in financial aid this semester, an increase of over 18 percent from the prior year, and a record in the university’s 54-year history. He also thanked CSUB’s financial aid team for their extraordinary work in giving students the resources they need to make their college dreams a reality.

Camila Moncada, a CSUB student, shared her inspiring story. Moncada, the daughter of immigrants, spoke about how the FAFSA and scholarships eased the financial burden of attending college for her and her four sisters. She received more than $5,000 in various scholarships and other financial aid. Moncada is now studying psychology with an emphasis on special education and hopes to become a special education teacher. She encourages others to apply for financial assistance, even if they are unsure about their eligibility.

“It’s definitely important to apply because you never know, there’s so many doors that can open for you,” Moncada said. 

The Y2L team will be hosting a series of workshops designed to guide students and families through the application process. The Cash 4 College workshops provide hands-on assistance with FAFSA and California Dream Act Applications (CADAA) and are open to all students and families, regardless of financial need. 

Gabriel Adame, president and CEO of Y2L, celebrated the organization’s 20-year legacy of helping low-income students access higher education. Y2L plans to host 180 workshops across Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties to help students complete their applications this year.

“We have a long path ahead of us, but we’re really excited for it, and we’re looking to help more and more students,” Adame said.

Local leaders stressed the importance of community collaboration in supporting students. Bakersfield City Council Member Andrae Gonzalez highlighted the role of education in overcoming the obstacles of intergenerational poverty.

“Many of our families are struggling to make ends meet, to pay the rent, to make sure that there’s food on the table,” he said. “But we know that education is one key, one opportunity for people to break the cycle of poverty.”

Left: Steve Sanders, Center: Andrae Gonzalez, Right: Mayor Karen Goh.

KCSOS Chief of Staff Steve Sanders acknowledged the partnership between KCSOS, the K-16 Regional Collaborative, and Youth 2 Leaders Foundation, calling it an example of the spirit of collaboration that makes Kern County special. When everyone works together, thousands of students can benefit. 

“College and career success is possible, regardless of the zip code in which students reside,” he said.

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh joined Sanders in praising the collaborative and Y2LEF partnerships for their unity in changing not only individual lives but also the future of our region. 

“My message on behalf of all of us today is that parents and students apply early for FAFSA. The investment in education will change your life,” she said. 

With applications now open, students and families are encouraged to take advantage of the resources available and meet the March 2 priority deadline.