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