Humboldt County Office of Education: Counselors’ Workshops | North Coast Cal-SOAP

2026-2027 North Coast College Access Conference

The North Coast College Access Conference, hosted by Cal Poly Humboldt in partnership with North Coast Cal-SOAP, brings together high school counselors, community college professionals, college access practitioners, and higher education leaders from across California’s North Coast for a day of professional learning, networking, and collaboration. Participants will receive the latest updates on admissions, financial aid, student support programs, and higher education initiatives while strengthening regional partnerships that promote college access, educational equity, and student success. The conference features presentations from Cal Poly Humboldt and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), networking opportunities, campus tours, and breakout sessions designed to help professionals better guide students on their pathway to higher education.

Who should attend: Register today and join colleagues from across the region in shaping stronger college and career pathways for students. Whether you are a counselor, administrator, faculty member, financial aid professional, or college access advocate, the North Coast College Access Conference offers valuable insights, meaningful connections, and practical tools to support student success throughout the year.

FAFSA Line by Line Training

Help students access the financial aid they need to pursue their educational goals. Cash for College workshops support students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), and the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth. This virtual workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. will include a detailed, line-by-line training on the FAFSA.

Who should attend: High school counselors, student advocates, outreach specialists, community education partners

Unlocking the California Dream: Intentional Change & Focused Investments

The 7th Annual California College Affordability Summit will take place virtually on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. This event brings together K-12 educators, high school counselors, college financial aid administrators, student advocates, and policy leaders to share updates, resources, and tools for the 2027-28 application cycle.

uAspire Virtual Trainings

There will be seven, short but highly engaging, live virtual trainings by the amazing uAspire trainers. Trainings will take place on Fridays starting at 9 am and most are just 1.5 hours (CSS Profile and FAFSA Completion Trainings have 2-parts and will go till 1:00 with a 30 min break in between). These trainings support the in-person CSAC training and are not a duplication of information.)

Who should attend: Counselors, College Access Staff, those who help students with FAFSA/CADAA applications, and anyone assisting at Cash for College Workshops