Sacramento, CA, July 17, 2026 — The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), in partnership with the California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (CASFAA), is proud to introduce the California Financial Aid Certification Training (CA FACT) program, a new statewide professional development opportunity designed to strengthen financial aid knowledge and support for students throughout California.

Aligned with CSAC’s Student Success Blueprint, CA FACT will help advance equitable access to financial aid by addressing regional financial aid literacy gaps through standardized training for educators, counselors, community partners, and financial aid professionals. The program is intended to ensure that students and families receive accurate, consistent guidance as they navigate the financial aid process.

“Financial aid can be difficult for students and families to navigate, especially as requirements, policies, and legislation continue to evolve and change,” said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of CSAC. “CA FACT helps ensure that the professionals supporting students and families have the most current, accurate information they need to provide clear guidance. By investing in consistent, high-quality training, we are helping Californians better understand their options and access the financial aid resources available to them.”

CA FACT is designed to:

• Strengthen financial aid knowledge and literacy.
• Reduce information gaps.
• Ensure students and families receive accurate, consistent guidance.
• Establish a recognized statewide credential for financial aid practitioners.

The training will be offered in an online, asynchronous format, making it flexible and accessible for participants statewide.

“CASFAA is proud to partner with the California Student Aid Commission on CA FACT, a collaboration that reflects our shared commitment and mission to strengthening the financial aid profession and better serving students and families across California,” said Jenny Garcia, President-Elect of the California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. “By working together, we can help ensure financial aid professionals have the knowledge and tools they need to guide students with confidence through an increasingly complex financial aid landscape.”

The program will begin with a soft launch in July and August for a pilot group of participants, offering an opportunity to participate in the training and provide feedback ahead of full registration opening in September.

“CA FACT represents an important step forward in building a stronger, more consistent foundation of financial aid knowledge across California,” said Tae Kang, Deputy Director, Program Administration & Services Division. “By equipping the professionals who support students and families with high-quality training, we can help expand access to financial aid opportunities and promote student success statewide.”

A dedicated email address, CAFACT@csac.ca.gov, has been established for individuals interested in participating in the soft launch, as well as for general questions and communications related to CA FACT. Learn more about the new training program at csac.ca.gov/ca-fact.