ABOUT
College Planning of Greater Long Beach
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College Planning of Greater Long Beach was established in 2004 with a mission to educate the community and parents of college bound students on the complex aspects of all components of planning for a successful college entrance to the right university for the students. While lecturing at California’s community colleges, Skip learned of the many struggles with student loan debt because families did not know how the financial aid process works. This lack of financial preparedness for college hindered their higher educational dreams.
As a fiduciary in the private financial sectors, Skip quickly realized that there was a need for a college planner in our community and set out to simplify the college admissions and financial aid process by providing hundreds of free College Planning Workshops at our local libraries, community organizations such as the YMCA and Jewish Community Center, and high schools. Additionally, he has counseled thousands of families on a one-on-one basis in his offices – helping those families send their child to the college of their dreams while simultaneously preserving the parents’ retirement.
Our Team
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For years, Skip Dawson has been educating the community on the intricacies of the entire college planning process. He works with family units ranging from single moms to corporate CEO's. Skip’s college planning specialty is tailored to each family, providing private financial consultations with families guiding them through the college planning process without killing their retirement savings.
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Skip Dawson, the author of How to Pay for a 4-Year College Education Without Going Broke, is an expert in planning for the enormous cost of a four-year college education and beyond. He has taught thousands of people proven techniques to take control of the college funding process and get the maximum amount of free college financial aid money for their children’s education. Skip directs families on things to consider when choosing a college, how to pick a college major and why career planning is important. For the parents, he offers college planning financial advice to achieve the goal of attending the college of their dreams that will support their chosen field of employment following graduation.
Skip holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees from California State University of Long Beach in Business Administration and Management Information Systems. In addition, he holds several notable professional licenses, as well as a Lifetime Teaching Credential from the California Community Colleges.
Skip Dawson, President and Founder
Olivia McCary, Administrative Assistant
Olivia is an Administrative Assistant and current student at Long Beach City College. She plays a key role in managing and updating the company’s social media platforms, driving engagement and promoting the company’s mission to a wider audience.
In addition to her social media duties, she provides valuable support to CEO and Founder, Skip, assisting with various administrative tasks to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the company. She also helps facilitate a smooth transition for college-bound students and their families.
She plays an integral role in community workshops and creates a welcoming environment for both students and families. As a current college student, she brings a personal touch and expertise to the company, helping families navigate the college planning process.
Admissions Counselor & Student Positioning
Theresa Palmer
With 20 years of experience in education and college planning, Theresa, a first-generation college graduate and parent to two daughters—one in high school and the other in college—understands what the college admissions process means in a variety of contexts and the challenges families face in the admissions process. Holding multiple teaching and counseling credentials, along with certifications in college admissions counseling, she is equipped to guide students and families in finding the right academic, financial, and social college fit.
“Captain” of Student Services & Founder of College Service center
Al Hofman
Founded by Al Hoffman in 2001, the College Funding Service Center (CFSC) helps students navigate the college admissions process. With over 20,000 families served, CFSC focuses on finding the right academic, social, and financial college fit for each student. Al is also a founding member and past president of the National College Advocacy Group (NCAG). Today, CFSC works as the servicing arm of College Planning USA, providing expert guidance and peace of mind to families.
Financial Aid & Service Center Consultant
Sarah Perkins
With over 15 years of experience at the College Funding Service Center, Sarah has been a trusted advisor to thousands of families navigating the often overwhelming college admissions and financial aid process. Her expertise covers every aspect of college planning, including financial aid form preparation, understanding award letters, managing appeals, and maintaining strong client communication throughout.
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