In his final State of the Union address, President Obama once again called for free community college for all those who want to attend, but California is already making college a reality for many.
California has supported the “I Can Afford College” financial aid awareness campaign, since April 2004.
Many students may steer away from college because they are worried they may not be able to fund themselves through college. The campaign informs students that they are able to afford community college and receive financial aid.
Richard Stewart is taking three credits this semester, all he can afford, and receives “the bare minimum” of financial aid.
“My friend went to school to become a school teacher. It took her five years going full-time,” Stewart said. Without additional aid – such as President Obama’s free community college, Stewart said, it could take him ten to 15 years to finish college.
California Community Colleges(CCCs) Chancellor’s Office’s director of communications, Paige Marlatt-Dorr says the “I Can Afford College” campaign aims to encourage students to follow their dreams by attending college and still being able afford it.
“From Board of Governors Fee Waivers,
grants and work-study programs, to scholarships and loans, more than 1 million students
annually at the 113 community colleges receive federal, state and local financial aid to
make their higher education dreams a reality
“From Board of Governors Fee Waivers,
grants and work-study programs, to scholarships and loans, more than 1 million students
annually at the 113 community colleges receive federal, state and local financial aid to
make their higher education dreams a reality
“From Board of Governors Fee Waivers,
grants and work-study programs, to scholarships and loans, more than 1 million students
annually at the 113 community colleges receive federal, state and local financial aid to
make their higher education dreams a reality
They also help California residents get linked with financial aid offices and resources.
“From Board of Governors Fee Waivers, grants and work-study programs, to scholarships and loans,” said Marlatt-Dorr, “more than one million students annually at the 113 community colleges receive federal, state and local financial aid to make their higher education dreams a reality.”
Enrollment fees increased in both 2003 and 2004 for CCCs.
Since the campaign was created, about four million people visited their website in search for more information about different types of financial aid.
“Students receiving some type of aid has increased by 90 percent,” said Marlatt-Dorr.
“I Can Afford College” campaign gave 2.1 million students the opportunity to attend community college and get an academic career.
Congressman Eric Swalwell, D-Pleasanton, said he will continue to fight to lessen college costs for students.
“It’s imperative that we take actions to reduce the burden of student loans on young people and their families, such as allowing student loan borrowers to refinance at lower interest rates,” Swalwell said in comments following President Obama’s State of the Union address.
President Obama and both Democratic candidates have pledged to work to make community college free, although Republican candidates have not committed to similar plans.
