Mt. SAC will offer free one-on-one financial aid assistance to high school seniors at its annual Cash for College workshop on Saturday, Feb. 7. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Learning Technology Center, Building 6 on the Walnut campus.
Assemblymember Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) is a co-sponsor of the event.
“I firmly believe that no matter where you start in life, a quality education can help people open doors to a world of possibilities. I am the first person in my family to go to college, and I started at Mt. SAC,” Hernandez said.
“That is why I came back to help other students and their families gain access to every available resource that could make higher education more affordable. My hope is that this Cash for College event will help students open that first door, and make their dream of college a reality,” he added.
The workshop is open to all area high school seniors regardless of the college they plan on attending. Personalized consultations will be offered in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
During these difficult economic times, more families are concerned about paying for college, making it critical that they apply for assistance.
“Students who want to pursue higher education should not feel that they can’t because of a lack of money. There are so many programs available, and we can steer them to those resources,” said Susan Jones, Mt. SAC’s Financial Aid Director.
Cash for College helps students and their parents complete and file Federal Student Aid and Cal Grant financial aid forms for the 2009-10 academic year. Reservations are required for the individualized assistance.
The event also helps students maximize their financial aid prospects by meeting the early financial aid deadlines. The state financial aid deadline is March 2.
Parents and students must bring a copy of their Social Security cards or permanent resident cards, and a 2008 federal 1040 tax return and W-2. If 2008 information is not available, a 2007 tax return may be used.
A free continental breakfast or lunch will be provided. Mt. SAC admission applications also will be available, as well as information about the college’s Extended Opportunity Programs and the Summer Bridge Program, designed for first-time college students.
For more information and to make an appointment, call (909) 594-5611, Ext. 4458.