Local non-profit organization, Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation, helps over 1,900 high school students complete financial aid applications since the opening filing date of October 1, 2019.

The organization collaborates with Kern County high schools and other educational-based organizations to host Cash for College workshops. The workshops allow students to receive free assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)- applications needed to acquire financial aid for college.

“Uno no sabe de estas cosas.” You don’t know about these things. Maria Ramirez, mother of two daughters hoping to pursue higher education, says in response to seeking help for her daughters’ applications. Ramirez and her husband are seasonal farm workers. The advancement of their daughters’ educational careers are dependant upon financial aid.

Executive Director at Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation, Frank Ramirez (no relationship to Maria Ramirez), says, “[The workshops] help with equity and equal access to higher education. Receiving financial aid equalizes the playing field for students.”

 In 2007, Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation became the Regional Coordinating Organization (RCO) for the Kern County area. Executive Director, Frank Ramirez, explains that a need existed for a central organization to lead the Cash for College initiative.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 16.1% of people living in Kern County have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Organizations like Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation were established to support students’ educational goals. Their involvement with Cash for College are one of the ways the organization provides support to increase the attainment rate in the county.

Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation will continue hosting workshops until March 2, 2020.