Ventura County Community College District students that are low on college funds and believe that all hope is lost do not need to fear; there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Financial aid is out there for all qualified students, and those in need of funds are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
There is a plethora of financial aid available, according to Moorpark College Financial Aid Officer Terri Hernandez. The key is to make sure to ask for help to find out about all of the opportunities.
There are countless sources of financial aid: from grants, to scholarships, to loans. Among the federal aid available is the Pell Grant, federal work study payments, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and the Academic Competitiveness Grant, among others.
In addition, the state of California offers Cal Grants and the Board of Governors Grant fee waiver.
The Chafee Grant is offered to current or former foster youth. Students interested in applying for this grant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid also known as the FAFSA. This application is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
“Financial aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis, so it’s important to get your file complete as soon as possible,” said Hernandez. “Make sure to list your schools of choice on your FAFSA.”
The application process for the FAFSA starts in January of next year, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible so that there will be funds remaining for them. The FAFSA for 2009-2010 school year and the Cal Grant GPA Verification form must be completed and submitted before March 2, 2009.
In addition, there are many scholarships offered throughout the year from different organizations that award thousands of dollars to students. Every school has a financial aid department that can help guide you towards receiving as many scholarships and grants that you can.
All students should be persistent in their financial aid and scholarship search so that they will one day be happy they did so when they receive a tuition check with their name on it.
For additional information, please contact the following:Ventura College Financial Aid Office at (805) 654-6369Moorpark College Financial Aid Office at (805) 378-1462Oxnard College Financial Aid Office at (805) 986-5828
