Low-income California high school students are being encouraged to apply online for one of the state's financial aid programs this year. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.
Cal Grants don't have to be paid back. Many low-income kids rely on the grants to pay for college, housing and textbooks. But for the first time this year seniors are being encouraged to apply for the grants online, although paper applications are still available. Diana Fuentes Michel is with the state's student aid commission. She wants all students who are eligible for the money to get it.
Michel: Out big concern is that low income students typically don't have access to a computer at home. And the commission is taking and effort to have regional and local workshops where we have available help to fill out the forms online.
Thirteen workshops will be held in San Diego County. Cal grant officials say students can log on to calgrants.org for updated information. Fuentes Michel expects more applicants this year because of the state's budget crisis. She says budget cuts shouldn't impact Cal Grant money for first time college students this year.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
