Camarillo, CA - Educators, counselors and others who help high school students who need financial aid will be guided through the application process during a free workshop Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at CSU Channel Islands (CI).

Representatives from the California Student Aid Commission will discuss the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps low-income high school seniors with money for college.

“There are many changes to FAFSA that are occurring over the next two years,” said Melissa Remotti, Director of Special Projects & Operations for CI’s Office of the President. “New processes will impact millions of students across the U.S. We want to provide our counselors and professionals the tools to help them guide students and families in Ventura County through the application process.”

The workshop is being coordinated through the Ventura County P-20 Council, a network of educators, businesses, parents, community leaders and others interested in improving the educational experience for all Ventura County students from pre-school through college. CI President Richard Rush chairs the council.

Ventura County P-20 Council Project Coordinator Richard Duarte, who is in charge of the event, said this workshop is geared toward teachers, counselors and members of non-profit agencies who help parents or high school seniors to fill out FAFSA forms.

“This workshop is not geared specifically toward parents. It’s not going to be in Spanish,” Duarte said. “But we do plan a site-specific event for parents in the future.”

The workshop will also cover the implications of the DREAM Act, and Cal Grants, state grants that are available to legal residents of California that meet certain eligibility requirements.

Because of the DREAM Act, which created a path to U.S. citizenship for qualified undocumented youth, there are also grants available for students wishing to pursue a college education.

Completing the form correctly, meeting deadlines and providing the necessary letters of recommendation, proof of income and other documentation is critical, Duarte said.
“That deadline is extremely important,” Duarte said. “Also, parents must have access and the ability to go online.”

One of the greatest challenges students’ face in higher education is being denied financial help because of a form that was not filled out accurately, Duarte said. He hopes the workshop will demystify the process and clear the way for all deserving high school seniors to pursue higher education.

Parking is free to participants. Follow signage once you enter the campus. To register, visit: http://go.csuci.edu/freefafsaworkshop.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.