The TecoGuide Podcast

What Is TecoGuide?

TecoGuide is the only app built to help you navigate your college and career journey in the quickest and most affordable way possible. Created by EdTechQuity, TecoGuide is focused on opening doors to higher education and career opportunities for everyone, especially students from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds.

Each episode and update we provide is filled with the information you need to plan s...

Karina’s journey through community college was profoundly shaped by the relationships she built with two counselors: Mauricio and Sandra Guzman. She shared that she rarely trusted other counselors, choosing instead to consistently return to those who told her the truth—not to discourage, but to show her the broader opportunities she had never considered.

Even after transferring to a four-year university, Karina continued to seek th...

Donnell Livingston’s story is not just one of survival—it's a masterclass in transformation. From a childhood shaped by systemic neglect and incarceration, to becoming a respected entrepreneur and nonprofit leader, his journey embodies the power of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the role of community in personal evolution. In this final segment, we conclude a powerful narrative that spans decades of personal struggle...

Are student loans a helpful resource—or a financial danger?

Led by Counselor Liz, a seasoned guide who went from community college to a master’s degree, this discussion offers honest, practical advice for students and families trying to make the smartest decisions possible. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or preparing to transfer, this blog will help you better understand your financial aid options—and when studen...

In our latest episode of the Transfer Basics Series on the TecoGuide podcast, we unpack a strategic question every educator, parent, and advisor should ask: "What classes should first-gen students take first to set them up for success?"

Drawing from lived experience, this short episode shares 3 foundational course types:

1. Start with Tech-Skills Courses

“First types of classes I put them in is computer information science, softwar...

Counselor Jose introduces the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) — an essential financial aid resource that can make community college tuition-free for eligible California students. If you're a student, parent, or educator looking for ways to make college more accessible, this guide is for you.

What Is the California College Promise Grant?

The California College Promise Grant is a state-funded program designed to support Calif...

How to Pay for College: A Clear Guide to Financial Aid 

If you're wondering how to afford college, you're not alone. The good news? Financial aid is available to many students, and understanding how it works could save you thousands of dollars.

What Is Financial Aid and Who Qualifies?

Financial aid is essentially free or subsidized money that helps students pay for college. It’s meant for:

-U.S. citizens

-Permanent residents (green...

One of the most common misconceptions among college students, especially first-gen and community college students, is that choosing a major is the same as choosing a career. But in reality, the two don’t always align as directly as you might think.

Yes, some careers—like nursing or engineering—have corresponding majors. But most college majors can lead to a wide range of careers. The key is understanding the flexibility and opportu...

Whether you’re a first-generation student starting your college journey, a returning adult learner, or a parent supporting a loved one, enrolling in the right math and English courses is a crucial first step. At TecoGuide, we’re here to make that step clear and manageable. In this blog, based on insights from our Transfer Basics Series podcast, Professor G explains how placement works at Los Rios Colleges—and what you need to know ...

On this episodes featuring Darwin, a lead academic advisor in the CSU system. We discuss the often-overlooked financial and academic resources available to first-generation and transfer students—especially when it comes to securing technology like laptops and navigating academic hardship. Whether you're a student, parent, or educational partner, this information could be the key to unlocking crucial support.

Many students, especial...

Navigating college without a reliable laptop or tablet can feel like trying to hike a mountain without shoes—painful, slow, and unnecessarily hard. But if you’re a student facing this reality, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not without options. In a recent episode of the TecoGuide podcast, part of the “Ask a Counselor or Ask an Advisor” series, host Karina sat down with Dallwyn Witton, Lead Academic Advisor in the CS...

This episode focused on housing and dining support services available to students, especially those attending Woodland Community College (WCC). Below is a detailed and professional summary of the resources discussed in the episode.

Dining Services at Woodland Community College Eagle’s Essential Marketplace (Food Pantry)

WCC’s Student Services Department runs a food pantry called Eagle’s Essential Marketplace, where currently enroll...

Navigating college life is about more than just attending classes—it’s about ensuring students have the fundamental support they need to thrive. At TecoGuide, we’re committed to highlighting resources that make the college journey more affordable, manageable, and successful—especially for first-generation and transfer students. In this post, we turn our attention to Hartnell College, a California community college dedicated to stud...

Many students, especially those who commute or work while attending school, may not have the time or energy to fully engage in campus life. If you’re in that situation, that’s okay. The key takeaway is not about doing everything—but about doing what works best for you.

If you can’t commit to clubs or organizations, try to:

Build meaningful relationships with classmates. Participate actively in group projects or discussions. And mai...

Success in college doesn’t come from academics alone—it comes from the relationships students cultivate throughout their journey. One of the most powerful, yet underutilized resources is the faculty advisor. These are professors who double as mentors, supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. For students at smaller colleges, where relationships are more personal, faculty advisors often become trusted mentors for c...

Mental health counselors are trained professionals dedicated to supporting students facing emotional, psychological, or mental health issues. Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or other mental health challenges, these counselors provide a safe, confidential space for students to seek help. They are also mandated reporters, legally bound to intervene if someone is at risk of harming themselves or others.

Ac...

Navigating higher education can feel like stepping into an entirely new world, especially for first-generation college students, transfer students, or those balancing complex life challenges. One of the most critical—but often underutilized—resources in this journey is academic advising.

In college, the terms academic advisor and academic counselor are often used interchangeably. These professionals play a vital role in helping stu...

Your counselor is more than an academic advisor—they’re your career coach, life mentor, and college success partner. Learn how to build that connection and why it matters for first-gen and transfer students.

Beyond academics, counselors often serve as unofficial mentors, advocates, and emotional support systems.

Additionally, many students come to college without ever having written a resume or gone through a job application. Couns...

In this Transfer Basics Series episode, Manuel Redas shares how student clubs unlock real-world benefits—from leadership skills to international scholarships.

College life isn't just about attending classes and earning grades—it’s a vibrant ecosystem filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the most impactful yet underutilized pathways to success in college is joining student clubs, also known as stud...