From FAFSA to Future: How College & Career Options is Changing Lives in the North State | An Interview with Brad Williams

In this episode of the All Redding Podcast, we sit down with Brad Williams of College and Career Options to explore how one local nonprofit is transforming the future for students and families across the North State. For over 20 years, College and Career Options has helped thousands of students navigate the often overwhelming path after high school — from financial aid and college applications to career exploration and trade school opportunities — all completely free to the community. Brad shares: His journey from engineering and defense work to serving in higher education The story behind College and Career Options and its impact across five counties How programs like FAFSA support unlock thousands in financial aid Why California offers some of the most generous education funding in the country The power of career exploration tools like YouScience How early exposure (like Kinder College Day) shapes future success Real stories of families finding clarity, opportunity, and hope This conversation breaks down the confusion around college and career planning and replaces it with clarity, opportunity, and real support — showing that no matter your path, there's a way forward. Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to All Redding 0:25 – Meet Brad Williams 1:30 – From Pennsylvania to Redding: Brad's journey 5:00 – From defense industry to higher education 16:10 – What is College and Career Options? 20:00 – The barriers students face in the North State 25:00 – Academic support, career exploration & financial aid explained 29:00 – Real story: how YouScience changes student direction 33:00 – Funding challenges + why these services are free 36:00 – Why "College AND Career" matters (not just college) 39:00 – Breaking down FAFSA and financial aid myths 45:30 – Free community college in California 49:00 – Who should use College and Career Options? 51:00 – Impact: 50,000+ students served 57:00 – Why this work is so fulfilling 1:01:00 – Demystifying the process for families 1:01:15 – Kinder College Day 1:04:30 – College & Career Signing Day 1:09:20 – College Quest (local college fair) 1:12:20 – Final thoughts + why families should connect early About the Host — Griffith Tonkin https://www.facebook.com/arthoferandtonkin Griffith Tonkin — longtime Shasta County-born attorney and community leader, partner at Arthofer & Tonkin Law Offices, active in local youth & civic work and dedicated to justice, mentorship, and service. About the Guest — Brad Williams https://www.facebook.com/collegeandcareeroptions Brad Williams serves with College and Career Options, helping students and families across the North State navigate financial aid, career exploration, and post-high school education pathways. With a background in engineering, executive leadership at Simpson University, and years of community service, Brad is passionate about making education accessible and understandable for all. About All Redding AllRedding.com is your local online source for all things Redding and surrounding areas. Our goal is to connect people with businesses, events, and stories within our community that make you proud to live in Redding, California! #allredding 👉 www.allredding.com All Redding Explore Your City. Live Local.