No Diploma?
No Problem.
You Can Go To College
The Ability to Benefit program lets students without a high school
diploma enroll in college, earn credits, and access financial aid — all
while finishing their diploma at an adult school.
4
PERALTA COLLEGES
5
ADULT SCHOOL PARTNERS
FREE
CLASSES AVAILABLE
FAFSA
FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBLE
WHAT IS ATB?
Ability to Benefit
California's Ability to Benefit (ATB) program is a state and federal policy that allows students who do not have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in community college and qualify for financial aid — as long as they are actively working toward their diploma or equivalency at an adult school.
✓No diploma required to start. Students can enroll in college classes right now.
✓Earn college credits while finishing high school. Both happen at the same time through dual enrollment.
✓Financial aid is possible. Students who meet ATB requirements can apply for FAFSA and receive aid for living expenses and classes.
✓Must be 18+ and a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
✓Must be enrolled at an adult school working toward a HiSET, GED, or high school diploma.
✓Must choose an approved Career Pathway at the college and complete required steps.
The ATB Pathway in Brief
ATB is a dual-enrollment model: the student attends adult school to work on their diploma, and community college at the same time to earn credits toward a career pathway.
This is a partnership between the Peralta Community College District (Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, Merritt College) and our five adult school partners.
- Alameda Adult School
- Alameda County Opportunity Academy
- Berkeley Adult School
- Oakland Adult and Career Education
- Piedmont Adult School
WHO IS THIS PAGE FOR?
Find Your Path
No diploma? You can still start college. See if you qualify, learn the steps to enroll, complete your checklist, and access financial aid.
Counselors, financial aid officers, and enrollment staff: learn how to identify, support, and process ATB students correctly.
Adult school counselors and staff: understand the dual enrollment process, your role in ATB, and how to refer students to college.