CA CC & Kaplan

In case you haven’t heard, the California Community College District has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kaplan University whereby students at CCs can take classes at Kaplan for a discount. Sounds good until you read the small print:

#1 Kaplan’s courses cost almost 10 times more than courses at California’s Community Colleges.

#2 Students would have to make sure that the Kaplan class would be acceptable for credit at the community college.

# 3 Even if the Kaplan course is accepted at the Community College there is no guarantee that the school that they transfer to will accept the Kaplan course.

Thanksfully, none of the Community Colleges in Kaplan have signed up to take advantage of the “help” offered from Kaplan, but Kaplan has helped themselves to the reputation of the California Community College system. Kaplan’s plan might be to “encourage” Community College students to transfer to Kaplan to complete their undergraduate degree. Kaplan’s reputation in high education circles is so-so, at best.

Be aware of what’s going on in higher education as costs are going up and what you get for your money seems to be less and less.

Save Money on College Costs

As it gets closer to the May/June season of graduations it’s time for many to think about college costs.

Even if you don’t think you will be awarded any income based grants, you should apply for aid using the FAFSA application just in case. It’s free to apply.

Remember to check that you want to have Work-Study grants on the FAFSA application. Work-Study grants allow for students have part-time jobs on campus. They are a great way to gain work experience and a decent wage.

Apply for grants from the school you’ll be attending as well as general grant clearinghouses such as Fast Web. Site should not charge you to have access to grant information.

Consider local, in-state schools as well as out-of-state schools. There are some very good bargains to be had in education. Don’t fall for the hype. Almost all undergrad degrees are equal. Going to a school with a great general reputation doesn’t mean that your major has a great department or that you’ll be offered a job automatically after graduation. Find a school that has a great department in your major and has great connections to jobs, research, etc.

Buy used textbooks. There is no reason to pay full price for textbooks. When you get on campus you’ll see notices from other students wanting to sell their old textbooks. Buying from other students is a great way to buy book cheaply. Another way to buy used textbooks is to visit the college bookstore or buy online.

Take out loans only as a last resort. Many students get stuck in student loan ruts.

Lastly, there are college and universities that will provide enough grants to make your college experience free! I found this list of 10 schools that will provide you with a great education and expect no payment.

For those that aren’t going off to college just yet, remember that high school students can:

– Take advance placement classes that will provide the student with college credit. Placement classes are available at high schools. Students sign up for these classes with their high school counselors. They are a great way to prepare students for the rigor of college coursework and shave a few dollars off of college costs.
– Take college courses at a community college while still in high school. Many students have done so well in their high school careers that by senior year they don’t plan on taking too many challenging classes. This is folly. Taking even two classes at a community college each semester over senior year, including summer, will knock off paying for a whole semester of college costs.

Scholarship for Undocumented Students at LBCC

Scholarship at Long Beach City College:

The first annual Funding Your Future Scholarship, founded by Futuro is available for undocumented immigrant students at LBCC.

Futuros started in January 2008 to work with low-income and immigrant communities to give them the tools to achieve college access.

Dr. Paz Oliverez, founder and director of Futuros, said, “We are a non-profit organization. We get our funding from private donations.”

The requirements for applicants include being an undocumented immigrant student, have at least a 2.5 GPA, attend a California community college, CSU, UC or a private college or university in Southern California, demonstrate financial need, and must be available for future participation in the Futuros College Access Mentoring Program.

Required documents include a 500-word essay, college transcript, resume and two letters of recommendation.

“Scholarship decisions will be made in August,” Oliverez said.

Undocumented students in California qualify under the AB 540 law, which requires an undocumented student to file a sworn statement that the student has filed an application to legalize their status in this country. This gives the student eligibility to pay in-state tuition instead of out-of- state tuition.

Alicia Kruizenga, associate director of the Scholarship Office said, “The scholarship office offers more than 700 scholarships a year and 90 percent AB 540 students can qualify.”

Futuros application deadline is Tuesday, June 30.

Scholarship for Undocumented Students in Los Angeles

FUTUROS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Promoting College Access for Low Income and Immigrant Communities

FIRST ANNUAL

Funding Your Future Scholarship

Application Deadline is: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

AWARD AMOUNTS WILL RANGE FROM $500-$1500

All application materials must arrive by Tuesday, 6/30, mailed together in a large envelope to:

Scholarship Program

Futuros Educational Services

6721 Leland Way #24

Los Angeles, CA 90028

If you have questions, please contact Paz Oliverez at 310.923.0803 or by email at poliverez@futuros-california.org.

Minimum Student Requirements (High School Students):

· Be an undocumented immigrant student

· Have at least a 2.5 grade point average

· Be attending a high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)

· Be available for future participation in Futuros College Access Mentoring Program (CAMP)

· Demonstrate financial need

Minimum Student Requirements (College Students):

· Be an undocumented immigrant student

· Have at least a 2.5 grade point average

· Be attending an accredited institution of higher education (i.e., CA Community College, CSU, UC, private college/university) located in southern California

· Be available for future participation in Futuros College Access Mentoring Program (CAMP)

· Demonstrate financial need

FINALISTS will also be required to participate in an in-person interview.

Scholarships available at PCC for Latino students

PASADENA – The Pasadena City College President’s Latino Advisory Committee has established four $1,000 scholarships for PCC students through the PCC Latino Scholarship Fund.

To be eligible for the scholarship, an individual must, in addition to the requirements, be a full-time student with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate financial need, show an understanding of Latino culture and be involved in extracurricular activities.

The application is available online on the PLAC Website at http://www.pasadena.edu/about/president/plac.cfm.

Applications can be submitted to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (L114) by April 17.

Selected students will be notified by May 1.

From San Gabriel Tribune