The TecoGuide Podcast

Financial Aid Basics: Are You a Dependent or Independent Student?

When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (#FAFSA), you’ll be asked to provide detailed information about your income and family size. This data helps the federal government determine your eligibility for financial aid—particularly grants designed for students with the greatest financial need, such as those from low-income backgrounds.
What Makes a Student "Dependent"? If you're classified as a dependent student, the FAFSA will ask for: Your income; Your parents’ income;Family size, including you, your parents, your siblings, and any other individuals supported by your parents.
This classification assumes that your parents are contributing to your education expenses, which is why their financial details are necessary.
 
The Independent Student: More Financial Autonomy. On the other hand, if you're an independent student, the financial aid process looks different. As an independent student, you only need to report: Your own income; Your spouse’s income (if married); The size of your immediate household, including yourself, your spouse, your children, and anyone else who depends on you financially
Critically, independent students are not required to include any information about their parents' income or household.
How to Qualify as an Independent Student. So how do you know if you're considered an independent student? You must meet at least one of the following criteria:
You are 24 years of age or older
You are married
You have children or other dependents who rely on you for support
You are a veteran or currently serving in the military
You are or were an emancipated minor or in foster care
Both your parents are deceased
You have an approved dependency override petition from your college’s financial aid office
A dependency override allows students with special circumstances to apply for independent status even if they don't meet the standard criteria. Approval is at the discretion of the financial aid office.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
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FAFSA vs. Dream Act - A first-Gen Student's Guide to Unlocking College Financial Aid in California

If you're pursuing college in California, there are only two financial aid applications you need to know about:
#FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
California Dream Act Application (#CADAA) – for undocumented and certain eligible students
FAFSA: Free and Widely Applicable. The FAFSA is the main application for federal and state financial aid. Key details include:
Free to fill out – Never pay to complete it. Avoid scams or paid services.
Available online at studentaid.gov
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, legal residents (including refugees and certain visa holders)
FAFSA covers federal grants, work-study programs, and some state aid.
California Dream Act: For Undocumented Students. If you're undocumented, a DACA student, a Dreamer, or meet AB 540 criteria, your path to aid goes through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Used to apply for California state financial aid only
Includes aid for California Community Colleges, CSUs, UCs, and private colleges
Access it at csac.ca.gov (California Student Aid Commission)
List All Potential Colleges in Your Application
Whether you're filling out the FAFSA or the Dream Act application, it's crucial to list all the schools you’re considering attending—community colleges, CSUs, UCs, or private schools. Listing multiple schools allows those institutions to access your information and process your aid package.
If you’re applying to a district with multiple campuses and plan to take classes across them, include each school individually. The more complete your application, the more options you'll preserve for aid eligibility.
 
Income and Eligibility: What You Need to Know
A common misconception is that your household income will automatically disqualify you from aid—not true. Here’s why you should apply regardless of income level:
Many colleges offer Middle-Class Scholarships
Some schools provide free tuition or fee waivers even for higher-income families
Certain aid is based on other criteria besides income, such as academic merit or community need
The earlier you apply, the better your chances of accessing maximum aid.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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How Federal Work Study Helps First-Gen and Transfer Students Earn While They Learn

What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work Study is a form of financial aid that offers part-time employment to eligible students. These jobs are designed to help students pay for college-related expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, and transportation. Unlike a traditional job, the earnings from FWS are funded by the federal government and are part of your financial aid award, meaning they don’t reduce your eligibility for other aid.
These jobs are usually based on-campus, making it easier for students to integrate work into their academic schedules. Students are paid at least the federal minimum wage, and the roles often align with a student's field of interest or major.
Who Qualifies for Federal Work Study?
To be eligible for a Federal Work Study position, students must meet the following criteria:
FAFSA Submission: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answer “Yes” to Question 31: Are you interested in being considered for work-study?
Demonstrated Financial Need: Your college’s financial aid office must determine that you have unmet financial need after other aid is applied.
Enrollment Requirements: You must be enrolled in at least six units that are part of your educational plan.
Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain in good academic standing.
If you meet these conditions, your financial aid award letter may list Federal Work Study as part of your package, indicating your eligibility to apply for positions.
How to Secure a Federal Work Study Job
Being eligible doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get a job — you still have to actively apply and go through a hiring process. Here are tips for landing the right position:
Apply Early: FWS job postings are often limited. The earlier you check your college’s financial aid or student employment website, the better your chances.
Be Professional: Treat the process like any other job application. Update your résumé, prepare for interviews, and present yourself with confidence.
Stay Informed: Visit your financial aid office regularly to ask about job availability, eligibility updates, and any required documentation.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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Emergency Funds, Real Help - How San Francisco Bay University Supports Students in Crisis

When education is your dream, but life throws a crisis your way, who shows up for you?
At San Francisco Bay University, the Student Emergency Fund offers direct financial support and community-based services to ensure students stay enrolled, even during their toughest moments.
Up to $650/year in emergency grantsFood referrals & pantry accessA campus clothing closet for interviews + everyday wearEmergency travel support for family crisesYear-round application with a quick approval process
Priority is given to first-gen, low-income, and early-year students who are most vulnerable to unexpected hardships. It's a model of holistic support every institution can learn from.
Plan your transfer or support your students with tools from #TecoGuide, the app designed to empower first-gen, community college, and transfer-bound learners.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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First to Go, First to Grow - One Latina Counselor's Journey Through Culture, College, and Courage

In this powerful episode of our Transfer Basics Series, Sandra, now a professor and counselor, shares her journey from breaking cultural norms to earning a master’s degree and creating spaces for Latino students through Puente and the Raza Center. Her story proves that being the first isn’t easy, but it opens doors for everyone who comes after.
After graduating from Chico State, Sandra returned to Sacramento to work as a social worker. She quickly realized that her dream career in counseling would require a master’s degree, a fact she hadn’t known as an undergrad.
With new mentors to guide her, she applied to graduate school and earned her master’s in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from the University of San Francisco. After a decade in mental health, she transitioned into higher education, where she now helps students navigate many of the same challenges she once faced.
Sandra closes with a heartfelt message: “Study what you love. The career will come, I promise.”
Her journey is a shining example of what it means to honor your roots, push through resistance, and rise with purpose. It’s a story of family, determination, identity, and the quiet power of choosing your own path, even when others don’t yet understand it.
Sandra’s story is not just about her, it’s about all the students quietly carrying the weight of “being the first.” Her experiences reflect the hidden strength of countless young people navigating college, career, and cultural expectations.
Her courage gave her sister a smoother path. Her persistence gives her students clarity. And her success proves what’s possible when first-generation students are supported, seen, and encouraged to lead with love and ambition.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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From Picking Tomatoes to Picking Majors

In this Transfer Basics Series feature, Jose Vallejo shares his emotional journey from a tomato-picking childhood to becoming a respected community college counselor. With raw honesty, Jose reveals the struggles of being a first-gen student, the power of finding your “why,” and how building relationships on campus changed everything.
Whether you’re unsure of your major or seeking inspiration, this story proves you already have what it takes.
Jose’s story highlights: The value of academic exploration, the impact of cultural identity and Chicano studies, the importance of mentorship and student engagement, and how purpose fuels persistence and lifelong success.
Jose grew up in Los Angeles and later Sacramento, where his parents moved in search of better work opportunities in agriculture. He vividly recalls the image of his parents and older siblings coming home from the fields, covered in dust, drenched in sweat, and smelling like tomatoes.
These moments shaped his early understanding of sacrifice and labor. As a child, he didn’t know what career he wanted, but he knew with certainty what he didn’t want, to toil in the fields like his parents. Their hard work lit a fire within him to pursue something different, even if he wasn’t sure yet what that would be.
His message for students, educators, and institutional leaders: Believe in yourself, ask for help, and never stop pushing toward your goals.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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Discover San Francisco Bay University - An Affordable Private Option for Business & Computer Science Majors

Living in the Bay Area can be notoriously expensive, a major hurdle for students looking to attend school there. SFBU tackles this by offering subsidized student housing, which means lower-than-market rent prices that reduce your total cost of attendance. This alone can make attending SFBU much more feasible than other institutions in the region.
One of the most powerful insights shared by education experts is that private schools can offer a more meaningful, student-centered experience. Smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and faculty mentorship can create a transformative college experience, especially for students from underrepresented or first-generation backgrounds.
Dr. Abe, who has earned degrees from both public and private institutions, highlighted that his private university experience was more personal, supportive, and empowering than what he received at public universities. These firsthand reflections serve as a reminder that the right school isn’t always the most obvious one.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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From Boxcars to Bachelor's- A First-Gen College Success Story Rooted in Culture and Community

What does it take to succeed in college when you’re the first in your family to go?
In this heartfelt Transfer Basics Series feature, retired college counselor Manuel Reyes shares his powerful story, from a humble childhood in a railroad worker’s colony to a degree from UC Davis and a career serving thousands of students.
Key moments include:Growing up with immigrant parents from Zacatecas, MexicoKeeping culture alive through family music and traditionAttending community college, then transferring to UC DavisTeaching bilingual social studies in underserved schoolsServing 31 years as a counselor helping first-gen students succeed
Manuel’s advice? Lean on the values of your parents and abuelos. Embrace your culture. Build a strong support network. And never be afraid to dream big.
Manuel Reyes’ story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and a lifelong commitment to education. From a childhood rooted in poverty but rich in family and tradition, he rose to become a beacon of hope for countless students navigating their own academic journeys. His legacy reminds us that higher education is not just about degrees, it’s about transformation, empowerment, and passing the torch forward.
If you’re a student just starting out, or someone helping others find their way, remember this: success is not a solitary road. It’s paved by the love of family, the strength of community, and the values that guide you. Let those be your compass.
If you’re a student, parent, or educator navigating college today, this is your story, too.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Learning to be a Student changed Everything

In this inspiring launch of our Transfer Basics Series, Josh Kahn shares how losing a full-ride scholarship and dropping out of college became the turning point that taught him how to truly be a student. This episode is packed with tips on time management, planning, and building habits for academic success, especially for first-gen and transfer-bound students.
When people think of a good student, they often picture someone with straight A’s, strong test performance, or perfect recall of class lectures. But these traits only scratch the surface. Academic excellence is less about inherent intelligence and more about consistent, intentional actions.
Key Habits That Define Academic Success:
Preparation: Taking charge of what you can control (time, effort, resources).
Study Skills: Building habits that support information retention and deeper understanding.
Note-Taking: Creating useful records of class material that help reinforce learning.
Attendance & Engagement: Showing up, both physically and mentally, every day.
Time Management: Prioritizing effectively and staying ahead of deadlines.
These are not innate talents. They are learnable, repeatable practices; and they can make the difference between barely getting by and truly thriving.
Josh’s journey didn’t end in failure. After a few difficult years, he returned to school, completed his undergraduate degree, and entered the workforce. From there, he took on a variety of jobs, some better than others, before landing a position at a Swiss pharmaceutical company’s U.S. office.
While working, he pursued an MBA, this time armed with the academic skills he never had before. From there, he transitioned into a boutique consulting firm, helping major pharmaceutical and biotech clients solve complex organizational challenges.
What changed? Not his IQ, but his approach. He learned how to plan, prepare, and execute with precision. He became disciplined. And he committed to mastering the process of learning.
The real measure of success isn’t where you start, it’s how you adapt, grow, and build the skills that carry you forward. Whether you're a transfer student, first-gen trailblazer, or returning learner, your journey matters. Commit to mastering the small habits that lead to big opportunities. And when in doubt, let #TecoGuide be your partner every step of the way.
Start building your future today, with intention, structure, and support.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
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From Flunking out to Finishing Strong - One First-Gen Student's Comeback Story

"I flamed out of college. Lost my scholarship. Worked in a warehouse. Then… I came back, graduated with honors, and earned my master’s.”
In this Transfer Basics Series episode of TecoGuide, Josh Kahn shares his real and relatable journey, from academic failure to professional success. His experience underscores the importance of equitable access, second chances through community college, and building lifelong academic habits.
As a student, Josh excelled at test-taking and memorizing lectures, but he admits he was “just getting by on natural ability.” That strategy, like many others built on short-term wins, eventually fell apart.
He entered Arizona State University on a prestigious scholarship that covered tuition, housing, and food. But the newfound freedom of college life, combined with a lack of structured habits, quickly led him astray.
Josh became more invested in parties and socializing than lectures and assignments. He jokes that he got good at drinking, not beer pong, nor his coursework. Within a year and a half, his scholarship was gone, his grades were failing, and he withdrew from school entirely.
For over two years, Josh worked in a warehouse and continued living the college lifestyle without the college. Meanwhile, his friends graduated and moved on. He was left facing the consequences of lost time and opportunity.
That realization prompted him to re-enroll, this time through community college courses in Phoenix. With renewed purpose and clearer goals, he transitioned back into university and completed his degree with honors in just 18 months.
Now, as Ops Lead at TecoGuide, Josh helps students avoid the same pitfalls and take full advantage of tools designed to support first-gen, transfer-bound learners.
Josh Kahn’s story is not just one of personal redemption, it’s a blueprint for others navigating the challenges of college and career planning. Whether you're starting at a community college, recovering from academic setbacks, or just trying to figure out what comes next, your path doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful.
With tools like #TecoGuide, a supportive community, and strong academic habits, you can move forward with confidence. Education should never be a maze only a few can solve. It should be a journey guided by clarity, support, and possibility.
#TecoGuide, the only app designed to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way. Brought to you by #EdTechQuity, we are committed to opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for all.
Thank you for tuning into #TecoGuide, the app dedicated to providing valuable insights on education and career success. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share.
Visit our website https://www.inspirame.com/  and Download the app today
#CollegeTransfer #AffordableEducation #FirstGenStudents #CommunityCollege #TransferSuccess #HigherEducation #TecoGuide