''I Can Afford College'' Campaign Urges Students to Apply for a Cal Grant by March 2nd to Maximize Financial Aid.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With the Cal Grant Entitlement Award application period in full swing, the California Community Colleges "I Can Afford College" campaign is urging current and prospective community college students to maximize their financial aid opportunities by applying for a Cal Grant before March 2, 2006.

"Financial aid is available year-round at community colleges but students who apply between now and March 2nd will maximize the aid they can get to pay for their books and supplies and even help with their living expenses," said California Community Colleges Chancellor Marshall (Mark) Drummond. "Financial aid is often the key that unlocks higher education dreams."

Cal Grants are an important source of assistance for California community college students, especially those coming right out of high school. "We started the 'I Can Afford College' campaign to make sure Californians know that financial aid is available to help pay for a community college education," said Linda Michalowski, Vice Chancellor of Student Services and Special Programs for the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. "Cal Grants can provide community college students up to $1,551 per year, so it is important for them to apply by March 2nd. But students who miss that deadline should not be discouraged; there is still other financial aid available at community colleges."

The "I Can Afford College" campaign is a statewide financial aid awareness effort aimed at current and prospective low-income students and their families informing them that financial aid is available -- and within reach -- to help cover fees, books and other costs at each of California's 109 community colleges.

At the center of the campaign is a bilingual English and Spanish Web site, www.icanaffordcollege.com, which serves as a resource for anyone interested in applying for financial aid to attend a California community college. The site provides basic financial aid information and forms for those who are ready to begin the application process. The site also serves as a conduit to directly connect visitors to local financial aid officers, who can offer free one-on-one assistance with identifying options and completing forms.

The "I Can Afford College" campaign also includes a toll-free helpline, 1-800-987-ICAN (4226), which connects callers to the community college financial aid office of their choice within a 25-mile radius of their home.

California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the world with 109 colleges and 72 districts that provided educational, vocational and transfer programs to more than 2.5 million students during the 2004-2005 academic year.