The California Community Colleges and its statewide financial aid awareness campaign, “I Can Afford College,” want to remind high school and returning community college students that April is Financial Aid Awareness Month, which means there will be even more opportunities this month to learn how to make your dreams of a higher education come true.
There is a wide variety of financial aid available, but you need to know how to apply. During April, there will be many different events and activities across the state where you can get the information you need about the financial aid opportunities available to you, how to apply and where to get help completing your applications.
Hundreds of financial aid workshops will be held at the 112 California community college campuses across the state. The workshops explain the different types of aid available, and provide a chance for students to ask questions and get one-on-one help with filling out applications, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which a student needs to complete to apply for federal, state and community college financial aid programs.
To find a free workshop near you, use the zip code locator on the “I Can Afford College” website, at http://icanaffordcollege.com/applications/campus_events_search.cfm?navId=30. Check the site regularly as new events are posted frequently.
Also this spring, the “I Can Afford College” campaign will hold a “$5,000 Free Money for Community College” sweepstakes. This new contest, in partnership with Clear Channel, will reward one lucky winner with $5,000, which can be used to help pay for fees, books, supplies and other college-related expenses. The runner up will receive an iPad that is loaded with software for college.
To enter, go to www.icanaffordcollege.com, and tell us, in 50 words or less, how much brighter your future would be if you won the “$5,000 Free Money for Community College” sweepstakes. Once you submit your story, a tweet will be auto-generated encouraging your Twitter followers to click on the link so that they too have a chance to enter and win. If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can bypass the Tweet and still take part in the contest by visiting the website.
The contest runs from April 1 to June 23. The grand prize and the second place winners will be announced on June 28. Visit www.icanaffordcollege.com today for more information and to enter to win!
