Community College students have until March 2 to apply for financial aid through the Cal Grant program, which can provide more than $1,500 per year for tuition, books and materials. The California Community Colleges “I Can Afford College” campaign urges current and prospective community college students to apply for a Cal Grant to pay for books, supplies, and other educational fees.

Linda Michalowski, Vice Chancellor of Student Services/Special Programs for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, said the campaign is designed to make sure Californians know that financial aid is available to help pay for a college education.

“Cal Grants can provide community college students up to $1,551 per year, so it is important for them to apply by March 2,” Michalowski said. “But students who miss that deadline should not be discouraged. There is still other financial aid available at community colleges.”

There are a few basic types of aid including grants and scholarships, which don’t have to be repaid. Students may also take out loans, which must be repaid, or apply for work-study jobs on or off campus. In addition, students at any California Community College may receive assistance from other programs such as the Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOGW), which is a waiver for enrollment fees to qualified students.

The “I Can Afford College” campaign features a bilingual web site that serves as a resource for anyone interested in attending a California Community College who may be looking to apply for financial aid. For more information visit www.icanaffordcollege.com, or the Moorpark, Ventura, or Oxnard websites.