Need Financial Aid?
April 19, 2010
April is California Community Colleges Financial Aid Awareness Month. New research shows many students don’t believe they qualify for aid and therefore do not apply, leaving millions of dollars untapped. The Institute for College Access & Success recently published a report that said if community college students who are likely eligible for a Pell Grant applied and received federal aid, up to $500 million more would have flowed into California’s economy during 2009-10. These grants, worth up to $5,350 each, go straight into local economies where community college students pay for books, housing, gas, food, and other necessities in addition to fees. The I Can campaign team and their college financial aid partners are using April as an opportunity to increase awareness about Pell Grants and encourage everyone to apply. To promote the availability of aid during Financial Aid Awareness Month, events are taking place across the state, from financial aid workshops to community college fairs on high school and community college campuses. At these events, students can find out about the different types of financial aid available and receive free one-on-one assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To find the nearest financial aid event, current and prospective students can visit icanaffordcollege.com/events and type in their zip code.