About Cal-SOAP

History

In 1978, the California state legislature recognized minority and low-income students were not pursuing higher education at the same level as students of European and Asian descent or from families of middle or higher income. The California legislature enacted a law (California Education Code Section 69560-69566) establishing Cal-SOAP to increase the opportunities for low-income and minority students to attend postsecondary education institutions through outreach and related services.

The structure of Cal-SOAP is consortium based using educational institutions from various levels (i.e., California State University, Community College, University of California, high school). This inter-segmental approach enhances coordination of services and cooperation between the institutions.

Today there are 16 Cal-SOAP offices operating throughout California by consortia of colleges and universities, school districts, and community agencies. Cal-SOAP is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Individual projects apply each year for continued state funding. An equal or higher level of matching resources by consortium members must match state funding.
Cal-SOAP has three goals for meeting the intent of the California legislature:

1. Increase the availability of information to students about the existence of postsecondary education and the available sources of financial aid.
2. Improve students’ access to higher education by raising their achievement levels.
3. Reduce the duplication of services by coordinating outreach efforts.