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
Step-by-Step Guide
Your ATB Roadmap
Follow these steps in order. Your adult school counselor and college counselor will help you at each stage.
01: Check your Eligibility
You must be 18+, a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, have no diploma/GED, and be willing to work toward one while in college.
02: Enroll at an Adult School
You must be actively enrolled at one of our five partner adult schools and working toward your HiSET, GED, or high school diploma at the same time.
03: Apply to a Peralta College
Apply to Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, or Merritt College. It's free to apply.
04: Complete Guided Self Placement
Complete the college's Guided Self Placement (GSP) to help determine which English and math courses are right for you. No test required.
05: Meet with a College Counselor
Choose an approved Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP) and complete your Student Education Plan (SEP) with a counselor.
06: Review Plan with Adult School
Bring your SEP back to your adult school counselor and complete the Dual Enrollment Form (see below) together.
07: Attend College Orientation
Attend the required college orientation. Learn about basic needs services (food, housing, mental health) and tutoring and academic support available to you.
08: Apply for Financial Aid
Submit your FAFSA. If eligible, you may receive aid for tuition, books, and living expenses. You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) — pass your classes to keep your aid.
09: Set Up Direct Deposit
Visit the Financial Aid front desk at your college to set up direct deposit so your aid goes directly to you.
STUDENT CHECKLIST
Track Your Progress
Eligibility
-
I do not have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- I am 18 years of age or older
- I am a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- I am enrolled at an adult school working toward my HiSET, GED, or high school diploma
Assessment & Counseling
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Completed Guided Self Placement (GSP) at the college.
-
Met with a college counselor to choose an approved Eligible Career Pathway Program (ECPP).
-
Student Education Plan (SEP) completed with counselor.
-
Reviewed SEP with adult school counselor and completed the Dual Enrollment Form.
Orientation
-
Attended college orientation.
-
Learned about basic needs services at the college (food, housing, mental health).
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Learned about academic tutoring and support services available.
Financial Aid
-
Submitted FAFSA application.
-
I understand Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) — I must pass my classes to keep my aid.
-
Visited the Financial Aid front desk to set up direct deposit.
Ready to Get Started?
Apply to a Peralta College today — it's free. Or contact your adult school to begin the ATB process.