It’s never too early to start exploring your passion and begin planning for higher education and careers. Find the best college fit, explore careers and related majors, and learn how to pay for it.
Exploring and Preparing for College
Prepare for the next step in your higher education journey. Begin your college and career search and learn what you need to do to get into your dream school and pursue your passion.
- First Steps Toward College for Middle Schoolers
- High School College Prep Checklists
- Start Exploring Colleges and Majors
- BigFuture: Plan For and Apply to Your Dream College
- Explore Community Colleges Near You
- Which CSU is Right for You?
- UCs: Where Do I Begin?
- What is an HBCU?
- GU4LA Enrichment Opportunity Search
- Navigating the College Application Process
- Mapping Your Future: How to Succeed in College
- Find Your Best Fit Colleges Search Tool
- Get Schooled: A Digital College and Job Advisor
- Go On a Campus Virtual Tour
Applying to College
Whether you’re applying to college for the first time or transferring to complete your degree, here’s where to get started on your college application.
Paying for College or Career School
There’s money out there to help you pay for college. Learn about FAFSA and the California Dream Act Application – the forms that open the door to the largest pool of financial aid dollars – and scholarship opportunities.
- California Student Aid Commission: All Things Financial Aid
- Federal Student Aid: How Financial Aid Works
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- Estimate Your Federal Student Aid
- Save for College with ScholarShare 529 Account
- LA Cash for College Workshops and Scholarships
- BigFuture Scholarship Search and Understanding College Costs
- GU4LA Scholarship Search
- CareerOneStop Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Unigo Scholarship Database
- Scholarships 360
Exploring Careers and Alternative Pathways
Have a career path in mind? Aren’t sure how your interests can translate into a career? Build a bridge to your new career and explore occupations or internships that match your skillset and interests.
- Explore Your Career Options
- Research Career Pathways on Gladeo
- CareerShip: Match Career Interests
- What Do You Want to Do for a Living?
- Roadtrip Nation: Start with Your Interests
- Career Guidance and Empowerment for Girls
- Shadow Real People’s Jobs Online
- CareerOneStop: Careers, Training, and Jobs
- Career Training at California Community Colleges
- Career Training at LA Unified Adult Education
- Find Career/Trade Schools Near You
- Search Job Descriptions, Potential Pay, and Education Needed
- Jumpstart Your Career: Find an Apprenticeship
- Find an Internship and Get Career Advice
Undocumented/Dreamer Students
If you are an undocumented student, there are many resources available for you to attend college – from grants, loans, and scholarships to legal help and campus support services.
- What is the California Dream Act and How Do You Apply?
- California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
- California Community Colleges Resources
- The Cal State University Resources
- University of California Resources
- Interactive Map to Campus Resources (including Independent/Nonprofits)
- California Student Aid Commission Resources
- Financial Aid, Career Options, and Legal Help
- List of Scholarships and Fellowships
Students with Disabilities
Having a disability will not stop you from reaching your goals. You can go to college, get financial aid, receive support, and prepare for the job you want.
- How Can You Pay for College if You Have a Disability?
- Find Education, Employment, and Independent Living Resources
- Explore LAUSD’s Adult Transition Work and Life Skills Programs
Foster Youth
Students who have experienced life in a foster or group home can achieve higher education. Find extra support and resources on college campuses to succeed and thrive in your academic and professional careers.
- College Planning, Financial Aid, and Campus Support Programs
- Types of State/Federal Financial Aid Available
- Learn About Support Programs at California Community Colleges
- Receive Services to Support Success at a CSU
- Find Guidance and Support at a UC
- California Chafee Education and Training Grant
Family and Community Resources
Support your student on their journey toward higher education, empower them to reach new heights, and find additional community resources and services to support your family needs.
- LAUSD College, Career and Financial Aid Resources
- Precollege Planning, Checklists, and Financial Aid
- Federal Student Aid Resources (en Español)
- Common App: Supporting Your Student (en Español)
- CollegeBoard: Planning for College
- Community Resources Search Tool (Legal, Food, Housing)
- LAUSD Community Resources