When Modesto Junior College student Tonia Habel received a $4,000 check in the mail she initially thought it was some kind of hoax. However, the check turned out to be the grand prize in the “I Can Afford College – California Community College Rocks Scholarship" contest. “I Can Afford College” is a statewide financial aid awareness campaign brought to you by the California Community Colleges. The grand prize was donated by Clear Channel Communications.

Habel had learned about the scholarship through the MJC Financial Aid Office website and had submitted her entry into the “I Can Afford College” statewide contest which was open to all California community college students. However, she had forgotten about the application, and receiving a $4,000 scholarship seemed too good to be true.

Habel, 23, is a single mom of a seventeen-month-old son. She is taking the prerequisite courses needed to apply for acceptance into MJC's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. Her goal is to become a registered nurse, with aspirations of eventually becoming a physician's assistant and midwife. Habel completed her first semester at MJC during spring 2008 and after having her son she returned to college in fall 2009. She currently works on campus as a student aid in the Office of the Vice President of Student Services.

"I am saving a majority of the money for my son's college education, but a portion will also go towards my own college related expenses," said Habel.

Habel is the winner of just one of the “I Can Afford College” campaign’s contests. Other Modesto Junior College students still have a chance to win a “Free Ride to Community College” this month – a new car and a scholarship! As part of the 5th annual Financial Aid Awareness Month, the “I Can Afford College” campaign is reminding students that financial aid is available year-round at the California Community Colleges. And, to get their attention, they’re giving away a car and money to pay for community college to the next lucky winner. Students can enter this contest and get additional financial aid information online at www.icanaffordcollege.com.