Santa Maria Sun / School Scene

Colleges are host to state and federal aid workshops

The California Student Opportunity and Access Programs (Cal-SOAP) at Allan Hancock and Cuesta colleges are co-sponsoring a series of Cash for College workshops to help students and parents fill out Cal Grant and federal student aid forms.

The California Student Aid Commission’s merit- and need-based financial aid Cal Grant program offers grants to students. To be eligible, high school students need to be seniors or recent graduates, have at least a 2.0 grade point average, and meet financial and other eligibility requirements.

Instructors will also help attendees fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.

People who would like to attend one of the workshops should bring the student’s social security number and driver’s license (if available), the parent’s social security number (if available), records of untaxed income, the student’s W-2 forms or records of income earned in 2011-2012, 2012 bank statements, any business records, a permanent residency card if not a citizen, and a list of preferred colleges.

Workshops will be held in the Nipomo High School library from 4 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 19 at Santa Maria High School in room 235 from 4 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 27, and in rooms 621 and 622 at Righetti High School on Feb. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call the Central Coast Cal-SOAP office at 922-6966, Ext.3710.

School Scene is compiled by Staff Writer Camillia Lanham. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.