The “I Can Afford College” campaign is reminding students that financial aid is available year-round at the California Community Colleges – including Modesto Junior College. And, to get your attention, they’re giving away a car and money to pay for community college!  With prizes donated by Clear Channel Radio, the “I Can Afford College” campaign is offering an exciting “Free Ride to Community Colleges” sweepstakes.

Current and potential community college students are encouraged to visit http://www.icanaffordcollege.com  through May 20 to enter the sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will receive a new 2010 Kia Soul and two-year community college scholarship worth $2,500. Additional giveaways include Apple iPads, gas cards and gift cards to community college bookstores. All prizes have been donated by Clear Channel Radio.

Right here at MJC there are many financial aid programs including fee waivers, grants, scholarships, work study programs and loans – and they’re available year-round. This money can help you pay for more than just your fees, it can help pay for books, supplies and sometimes even living expenses.

Are you taking advantage of the many financial aid options that may be available to you?

Recent studies have shown that millions of financial aid dollars are going unused, as eligible students are not applying for grants to attend California’s community colleges. The California Community Colleges are encouraging students to maximize their financial aid possibilities by enrolling full-time. Data shows that students who enroll full-time have access to more financial aid and are more likely to complete their education. In a recent interview on National Public Radio, the California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott said, “What we really would like to do is to see more of our students become full time because their likelihood of completing a degree and transferring is increased.”

So how do you find out about what might be available for you? You can start by visiting www.icanaffordcollege.com to learn more about financial aid and enter the sweepstakes. Students who want to get started on their own can find the FAFSA on the MJC Financial Aid webpage. For FREE one-on-one assistance filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) visit the MJC Financial Aid office in Yosemite Hall on West Campus.

By attending Modesto Junior College, you have taken the first step to reaching your dreams of a higher education – now why don’t you check to see if there is financial aid to help you pay for college and ease the burden a bit? You might even end up driving a brand new 2010 Kia Soul to help get you there!

The “I Can Afford College” campaign is brought to you by the California Community Colleges.