Countdown to Cal Grants

March 2, 2010 Application Deadline

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The California Student Aid Commission announces the final week for students to apply for financial aid. The "Countdown to Cal Grants" application period encourages and reminds students to apply for Cal Grants and other financial aid for education beyond high school.

High school seniors or recent graduates who meet eligibility and financial requirements and submit two forms before the March 2, 2010 deadline can receive up to $9,700 per year to attend all California public colleges and most private and independent colleges or career schools.

Applicants must fill out and submit a Free Application or Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.

Cal Grants cover tuition and fees at California's public colleges and universities and some private institutions, and can also help students pay for textbooks, living expenses and equipment for Community College and career technical education.

Help with the forms is still available at Cash for College workshops conducted throughout the state. At the workshops, applicants will receive assistance completing the required forms. High school seniors who attend workshops could qualify for extra scholarships from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the workshop location. Students can visit www.calgrants.org to locate a workshop in their area, or call 888.CA.GRANT (888-224.7268).

"Cal Grants provide access for students who want to pursue their college, career or technical training," said the Commission's Executive Director, Diana Fuentes-Michel. "It is important that students opt-in to pursue their career goals and not opt-out because they don't think they qualify for financial aid."

Interview Opportunities

Cal Grant recipients, California Student Aid staff members and Commissioners in your local area are available for press interviews.

Please call Yvonne Stewart-Buchen, California Student Aid Commission Information Officer, at 916.464.8159 for additional information.

SOURCE California Student Aid Commission