The TecoGuide Podcast

That’s the power of dual enrollment, a life-changing opportunity for first-gen, Latino, and Black students to earn college credit while still in high school. In this episode of our Transfer Basics Series, we walk you through everything you need to know:

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses at community colleges. These classes can count toward both high school graduation and a f...

What happens when a student’s dreams don’t match their parents’ expectations? In this week’s Transfer Basics Series, we meet a young man from Sacramento who felt stuck—pressured to go to college, but unsure of what path to take. With a little guidance, he discovered a way to honor both his creativity and his career goals.

Choosing a college path can be overwhelming, especially for students who feel caught between personal passions ...

At the heart of this movement is Professor G, an experienced college counselor and professor who has spent over 20 years guiding students through the complexities of higher education. His approach is rooted in empathy—having once struggled in college himself, Professor G knows how difficult it can be to succeed in a system that feels like it was not made for you.

That personal journey inspired him to create educational content that...

CSU Outcomes: A Gateway to Professional Careers

Graduates from CSU campuses are prepared to step into essential roles throughout California. These schools were established to train professionals for fields that support the state’s infrastructure and well-being—from nurses, teachers, and social workers to engineers, government officials, and judges.

Academic Progression:

First-year through senior years typically span 4 years. Realis...

When stepping into college, one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the format in which you'll take your classes. As educational opportunities continue to evolve, students are presented with flexible learning options to better suit their lifestyles, learning preferences, and responsibilities outside of school. Understanding these formats is essential to succeeding academically and making the most of y...

Starting your college journey at a California community college can open doors to life-changing opportunities—without breaking the bank. Yet, many students and families are left confused by fee structures, residency requirements, and financial aid processes. If you're wondering how much it really costs and how to keep those costs as low as possible, you're not alone.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from tuition f...

Mauricio’s educational journey begins in the Salinas Valley, raised by Mexican immigrant parents and working janitorial jobs to help his family survive. But his story doesn't end there, it’s just the beginning.

In this inspiring episode of our Transfer Basics Series, we follow his path from Cuesta Community College to a bachelor’s from Sonoma State and a master’s from San Jose State. He now serves as a tenured professor and counsel...

Meet Counselor Abe: A Testament to Educational Resilience. Navigating the road to higher education can be complex, especially for first-generation, low-income, and minority students. But stories like that of Abraham Madrigal, also known as Counselor Abe, offer both guidance and hope. Currently a full-time counselor at Sacramento State and a part-time counselor at Sacramento City College, Abe exemplifies the potential of educational...

“Free money first. Loans last.” This powerful mantra from Counselor Liz anchors a compelling episode in our Transfer Basics Series.

For many first-generation and community college students, student loans can feel like the only option, but that’s far from the truth. In this episode, you’ll learn how to avoid unnecessary debt through scholarships, grants, and smart budgeting. Counselor Liz shares her personal journey through higher e...

When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (#FAFSA), you’ll be asked to provide detailed information about your income and family size. This data helps the federal government determine your eligibility for financial aid—particularly grants designed for students with the greatest financial need, such as those from low-income backgrounds.

What Makes a Student "Dependent"? If you're classified as a dependent studen...

If you're pursuing college in California, there are only two financial aid applications you need to know about:

1. #FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
2. California Dream Act Application (#CADAA) – for undocumented and certain eligible students

FAFSA: Free and Widely Applicable. The FAFSA is the main application for federal and state financial aid. Key det...

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study is a form of financial aid that offers part-time employment to eligible students. These jobs are designed to help students pay for college-related expenses such as tuition, books, supplies, and transportation. Unlike a traditional job, the earnings from FWS are funded by the federal government and are part of your financial aid award, meaning they don’t reduce your eligibility for othe...

When education is your dream, but life throws a crisis your way, who shows up for you?

At San Francisco Bay University, the Student Emergency Fund offers direct financial support and community-based services to ensure students stay enrolled, even during their toughest moments.

Up to $650/year in emergency grants Food referrals & pantry access A campus clothing closet for interviews + everyday wear Emergency travel support for f...

In this powerful episode of our Transfer Basics Series, Sandra, now a professor and counselor, shares her journey from breaking cultural norms to earning a master’s degree and creating spaces for Latino students through Puente and the Raza Center. Her story proves that being the first isn’t easy, but it opens doors for everyone who comes after.

After graduating from Chico State, Sandra returned to Sacramento to work as a social wor...

In this Transfer Basics Series feature, Jose Vallejo shares his emotional journey from a tomato-picking childhood to becoming a respected community college counselor. With raw honesty, Jose reveals the struggles of being a first-gen student, the power of finding your “why,” and how building relationships on campus changed everything.

Whether you’re unsure of your major or seeking inspiration, this story proves you already have what...

Living in the Bay Area can be notoriously expensive, a major hurdle for students looking to attend school there. SFBU tackles this by offering subsidized student housing, which means lower-than-market rent prices that reduce your total cost of attendance. This alone can make attending SFBU much more feasible than other institutions in the region.

One of the most powerful insights shared by education experts is that private schools ...

What does it take to succeed in college when you’re the first in your family to go?

In this heartfelt Transfer Basics Series feature, retired college counselor Manuel Reyes shares his powerful story, from a humble childhood in a railroad worker’s colony to a degree from UC Davis and a career serving thousands of students.

Key moments include: Growing up with immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico Keeping culture alive through fam...

In this inspiring launch of our Transfer Basics Series, Josh Kahn shares how losing a full-ride scholarship and dropping out of college became the turning point that taught him how to truly be a student. This episode is packed with tips on time management, planning, and building habits for academic success, especially for first-gen and transfer-bound students.

When people think of a good student, they often picture someone with str...

"I flamed out of college. Lost my scholarship. Worked in a warehouse. Then… I came back, graduated with honors, and earned my master’s.”

In this Transfer Basics Series episode of TecoGuide, Josh Kahn shares his real and relatable journey, from academic failure to professional success. His experience underscores the importance of equitable access, second chances through community college, and building lifelong academic habits.

As a ...