In early January 2025, devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, with Pasadena and Pacific Palisades among the hardest-hit areas. In the face of this hardship, the need for connection and support has never been greater.

“We want to remind students and their families that despite these unexpected challenges their college dreams are still within reach, and we are here to help them navigate this process.” – Angela Stendhal, CAC Adviser

Stepping up to meet this need, USC College Advising Corps (CAC) Advisers launched critical initiatives to assist wildfire-impacted students and families on their path to higher education. On February 13th, USC Rossier, in partnership with CERPP’s USC College Advising Corps and USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative, hosted a virtual college application and financial aid workshop for high school seniors in Pasadena, Altadena, and the Palisades. The already complex process of navigating applications and financial aid became even more overwhelming in the wake of the fires, and USC CAC was committed to ensuring these students had the support they needed—aligning with CERPP’s mission to foster equity and expertise in educational access, admissions, and outcomes.

“CAC advisers wanted to do their part to ensure that the fires did not derail the post-secondary dreams of affected families,” stated Michelle Dai Trung Vu, an adviser who led the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) breakout session. Adviser Monique Bravo emphasized the importance of financial aid guidance, noting:

“The most valuable information I was able to share with families was about their financial aid forms. Since they must report tax information from the 2023-2024 year, the impact of the fire may not be reflected in their application. We walked them through the process of submitting an appeal to ensure their current circumstances were properly accounted for.”

But the support from our USC CAC Advisers didn’t stop there. Our advisers also participated in SoLa Impact’s “Together We Rebuild: A Day of Recovery and Resilience”, a community fair dedicated to assisting those affected by the fires. The event provided free essential supplies, food, and workshops, offering much-needed relief and resources. USC CAC advisers hosted a booth, providing free college advice and offering words of encouragement to students and families navigating this difficult time. Joey Frisina, USC CAC Program Coordinator felt a deep personal connection to the SoLa event, as it brought him back to his own community. “Being from Altadena and seeing families I grew up with at the event was incredibly bittersweet. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to bring smiles to their faces.” Joey shared.

Rebuilding a community takes time, and it requires the collective effort of schools, organizations, and local leaders. In the wake of a crisis, how can these groups support students navigating college applications while facing unexpected challenges?

Maria de la Cruz Flores, CAC adviser, shared her perspective:

“Schools, organizations, and community groups can offer meaningful support by providing students with essential resources, such as temporary housing assistance, school supplies, and emotional support services. Additionally, they can help ease financial concerns by connecting students with scholarships or emergency funds. Ensuring that students have access to college advising and flexible deadlines can also make a significant difference in keeping them on track toward their goals.”

By working together, we can ensure that students continue to have the opportunities and guidance they need to pursue higher education, even in the face of adversity. This initiative is just one example of how USC CAC continues to support students through unexpected challenges, reinforcing the power of community and resilience in times of crisis.