Dear Friend,
At Free Cash For College Day this past Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, volunteers across the City helped over 1,200 families complete their FAFSA forms. I hope you were able to attend this groundbreaking event and get help completing your financial aid forms.
In case you were not able to attend or need additional assistance, we've posted resources from the event on our web site, including the full step-by-step presentation about completing the FAFSA form, a FAFSA tip sheet, and a packet of financial aid and scholarship information available regardless of immigration status. Download this info and more at http://www.lafreecashforcollege.org/freecash.asp .
We've also put together a list of other free financial aid workshops being offered throughout February at high schools and community centers throughout the greater L.A. area. The list is attached to this email.
Remember: by completing and returning the FAFSA form and GPA Verification Form by March 2, 2003*, you can access many different kinds of available financial aid opportunities--including Cal Grants, free cash of up to nearly $10,000 per year of college! Here are the important steps to take this month:
(1) COMPLETE & SUBMIT THE FAFSA BY MARCH 2, 2003*
If you need to obtain a FAFSA or have technical questions about the FAFSA or Cal Grants, you can attend the workshops listed below or take advantage of the following resources and contacts:
* Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243 or www.fafsa.ed.gov
* California Student Aid Commission at 888-224-7268 or www.csac.ca.gov
* The college counselor at your high school
* The financial aid office at the colleges you're considering
(2) MAKE SURE YOU OR YOUR HIGH SCHOOL SUBMIT A GPA VERIFICATION FORM BEFORE MARCH 2, 2003*
Talk to your high school counselor to confirm that your school is submitting a GPA Verification Form for you, or whether you need to submit your own form, before March 2, 2003*. This must be submitted in order to receive a Cal Grant if you meet the qualifications (However, for Community College Cal Grants, you can submit your GPA Form through September 3.)
As I've said before, someone with a college education today makes $1 million dollars more on average, over a lifetime, than someone with only a high school degree. And most new jobs today require some college experience.
I want to make sure that every L.A. family knows about the many resources available to help make college affordable and accessible.
Congratulations to you for taking this very important step towards college.
Regards,
Mayor Jim Hahn
* NOTE: Since March 2, 2003 falls on a Sunday, you may postmark your FAFSA this year on Monday, March 3 and still qualify for Cal Grants. See http://www.csac.ca.gov for more info.
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