Financial Aid Information and Links

Once you find a community college, university, vocational school, or any other type of higher education, you have to find a way to pay for it. While you're looking for scholarships and other forms of "the kindness of strangers," it is important to exhaust all of the other available resources. Below you will find some links that provide valuable tips about financing your future...

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The first logical step to take, if you are entering your senior year, is to fill out a form known as the "FAFSA." This form, once you fill it out completely and send it off, gives the government finance folks a chance to review your needs and to offer you some options regarding your eligibility for different types of aid. Click on the following links to get started...

If you follow all the steps related to the FAFSA, you will receive a worksheet from them that indicates what type of aid for which you qualify. The most common categories include grants, loans, and possibly scholarships. Grants are often the most beneficial, for they don't have to be paid back. They are available to students who fit a certain profile that includes a good GPA, financial need, residency parameters, and acceptance to a qualifying school in California. For more information, try this link:

For other general information regarding federal aid, review this site:

Need help understanding financial aid? Contact the California Higher Education Answer Center. It is a free, not-for-profit service established to help students and families seeking information about financial aid make informed decisions about paying for college. When you call and speak with a Financial Aid Specialist, you will get fast and informed answers to your questions.

Call: 866.772.4352 - www.chelastudentloans.org/helpcal

Scholarships.com

Since 1998, Scholarships.com has assisted millions of students from high school all the way through graduate school in their efforts to find money for college. They have created an Educator's Resource Center, where you can find downloadable and printable fact sheets on choosing colleges, scholarships and other financial aid at www.scholarships.com/educators

Save Me a Spot in College

The Campaign for College Opportunity is proud to launch the second year of the "Save Me a Spot in College" scholarship contest! This contest is an effort to hear young Californians speak about the need for college access for the growing number of young people in the state, and how a college education can improve their lives and provide a better future or California. Building on last year's success (which included 100+ Partners, over 9,000 entries, and $70,000 in scholarships awarded to more than 100 students), let's make this year even better! Encourage every 6th-12th grade student in California to enter because their voice is important and needs to be heard! Spread the word! Forward this email to students, teachers, and parents.

KEY CONTEST INFO:

Students may submit a written word, poster, radio/TV ad answering the contest question: "Why should California leaders save you and your peers a spot in college?" The first step is to REGISTER TODAY by visiting www.collegecampaign.org/contest or call 1-800-459-9586.