Our Mission
The Mission of the Santa Barbara California Student Opportunity and Access Program (CalSOAP) is to assist students by increasing the accessibility of higher education opportunities in collaboration with our community partners.
Our Vision
SB CALSOAP envisions the pursuit of equitable accessibility to higher education.
Our History
California Student Opportunity and Access Program (CalSOAP) was established by the State in 1978 to improve access to post-secondary education and financial aid information, particularly for students historically underrepresented in higher education. Under the direction of the California Student Aid Commission, CALSOAP has successfully provided essential resources to help California students prepare for and gain admission to colleges and universities. Today, 16 CALSOAP projects operate across California, bringing together school districts, public and private colleges and universities, community-based organizations, and private sector partners to form a statewide consortium.
Santa Barbara CalSOAP was established in 1984 to increase college enrollment among historically underrepresented students in our community. This includes low-income, first-generation students, and any student in regions with low college eligibility or participation rates. Currently, we serve the communities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria and plan to expand to Ventura County by 2025, working with students in grades 7-12. Our focus is on equipping students with the resources, guidance, and academic support necessary to prepare for and succeed in higher education.
In addition to supporting students, CalSOAP is dedicated to empowering parents and guardians to be effective advocates for their child’s education. By providing resources and workshops on college preparation, we help families make informed decisions about their student’s educational journey. Our services include one-on-one advisement sessions, informative workshops, and college preparation presentations, all designed to demystify the complex process of pursuing higher education.
Our goal is to make the transition from high school to college as smooth and successful as possible. All advisement, workshops, presentations, and connections to campus resources are offered free of charge to junior high and high school students in our service area.