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Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity & Access Program)

OUR MISSION

The Cal-SOAP San Bernardino County Consortium will foster a collective impact model that supports the cradle to career focus that is the foundation of the San Bernardino County mission to improve educational and life outcomes for all citizens.

HISTORY

  • The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) was established by the state legislature in 1978. Today, Cal-SOAP is instrumental in improving the flow of information about postsecondary education and financial aid while raising the achievement levels of low-income, elementary and secondary school students or geographic regions with documented low-eligibility or college participation rates, and who are first in their families to attend college.
  • Cal-SOAP San Bernardino County responds to a variety of student needs and delivers services reflective of the diversity of students in the Inland  Empire. Services include academic, advisement, and outreach activities. 
  • The intent of the Legislature is that the Cal-SOAP will accomplish the following goals:
    • Increase the availability of information to students about the existence of postsecondary education, the available sources of financial aid, and career opportunities 
    •  Improve students’ access to higher education by raising their achievement levels
    • Reduce the duplication of services by coordinating outreach efforts Each Cal-SOAP project activity shall directly or indirectly assist to further the above stated goals.
Students walking through the CSUSB Campus

The university, in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, begins the California Student Opportunity Access Program (Cal-SOAP) in the county this summer.

Quick Links

Meet the Staff Join Our TeamConsortium MembersGoverning Board

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cal-SOAP?

Cal-SOAP stands for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program. It is a college access and readiness program meant to improve the flow of information about postsecondary education and financial aid while raising the achievement levels. Cal-SOAP serves ANY student in the Inland Empire area, but focuses on 1st-generation, college-bound, and low-income students. Services include advising, tutoring, parent outreach, and college awareness workshops.

How is Cal-SOAP funded?

Cal-SOAP is funded through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) as part of their outreach services.

Who does the Cal-SOAP, San Bernardino Consortium serve?

Cal-SOAP Services are focused towards 7th to 12th grade, 1st-generation, low-income, college-bound students in the Inland Empire (through CSU San Bernardino). The K-12 Districts, Higher Ed partners, and Community Based/ Non-Profit Organizations that provide Cal-SOAP services to the students within the Inland Empire can be found on the Consortium Members page.

How does Cal-SOAP help students go to college?

Cal-SOAP San Bernardino County, is partnered with schools, districts and partners to develop a sustainable infrastructure of academic, advisement and outreach activities, designed to reflect the diversity of students in the Inland Empire.

Are Cal-SOAP services year-round?

Yes, we offer services throughout the school year and in the summer.

How does Cal-SOAP hire tutors?

Cal-SOAP hires current, qualified college students to work as Student Success Coaches. To know more about the qualifications for the Student Success Coach position, visit Join Our Team page.

Are there other Cal-SOAP programs?

Today, Cal-SOAP projects operate in fifteen locations throughout the state by consortia of secondary and postsecondary schools and community agencies.

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