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Cash for College workshops set for January and February

Anthony LaBarbera is excited about getting Cash for College through Cal-SOAP. Photo by Aileen Chhen.

COLUMN
By AILEEN CHHEN
fhspress.com Senior Life Editor
Posted January 30, 2013

Obtaining a college education is one of the best investments one can make for his or her future. However, financial obstacles can often discourage this road to success. On January 17, Foothill High School and Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity Access Program) Consortium hosted the Cash for College Workshop. This evening was dedicated to assisting seniors in filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), Dream Act, and Cal Grant applications.

The evening commenced as students and parents gathered in the cafeteria and received a folder of helpful materials for completing the FAFSA. Ms. Monica Roberts, the Cal-SOAP Consortium Director, introduced the workshop with important information regarding financial aid and reviewed the folder of materials with families. Afterwards, students and parents branched off into assigned rooms where computers were available for all in attendance. In addition, trained individuals were available to assist and answer any questions that students had. Many students were able to complete and submit their FAFSA application, a great relief to both students and parents. Prior to leaving, students filled out a survey to be entered in a random drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. For every twenty-five students in attendance that night, Foothill High School received $1,000 to give away in the form of a scholarship.

"I'm very glad to have gone to the Cash for College workshop at Foothill High," said senior Dasha Tsakke. "I knew that FAFSA was serious business, and I didn't want to wait until the last minute to submit it, to have to stress out and pull out my hair. A lot of people in the past made the FAFSA application sound super difficult, so I was surprised at how easy it turned out to be with the guidance of friendly professionals during the workshop. As long as you fulfilled your part and brought all the required documents, it didn't take too long. I thought to myself, 'That's it?' What really gave me an incentive to go was the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. How could I ever pass up an opportunity like that one? The winner will be announced later on in the year. I may beat the odds and get lucky, but either way, I'll be happy for whoever wins it."

Students may file a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application anytime during the year; however, in order to be eligible for the most financial aid, it is essential to meet the March 2nd Cal Grant deadline. For students who were unable to attend the beneficial Cash for College workshop on January 17th, it is not too late! Additional workshops will be hosted in late January and throughout February:

• January 30 – Florin High School, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
• January 31 – Grant Union HS, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• February 5 – Kennedy High School, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• February 6 – Sacramento Charter HS, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• February 7 – Rio Linda High School, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• February 12 – SEIU Sacramento HQ, 6:00 to 8:00 PM (1325 S Street, Sacto, 95811)
• February 13 – Encina High School, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• February 21 – Natomas High School, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
• February 23 – Sacramento City College, 9 AM to 1 PM
• February 27 – Luther Burbank HS, 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Visit www.fafsa.gov and www.calgrants.org for additional information.
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