CVHS holds Cash for College workshop

Every year, CVHS is sponsored by the state of California to hold an annual workshop, Cash for College, which took place on Jan. 31. The entire senior class and their families were welcomed, and a presentation was given to the audience about the general college institution, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and scholarships.

“I think Cash for College is a great service for people to learn about FAFSA,” said Career Center director Melanie Small.

Around 360 students and parents arrived and gathered around the CVHS cafeteria. Students were required to sign in, which automatically gave them an opportunity to win a $1000 scholarship. Essays and applications were not required for the scholarship.

The workshop was divided into two parts: it began with a short presentation about general college information, then students/parents were led to the computer lab to submit the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.gov.

Murad Dibbini, the dean of Holy Names College, was the guest speaker who gave the short presentation during the workshop alongside CVHS counselor Natalie Mathrole.

Small believes that it is important for students to apply for financial student aid. To those who are not aware of FAFSA, it is a free application for students to apply for financial aid so they can potentially be funded for college.

With the unstable economy, Small believes it is highly recommended for students to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

“Everyone should be applying for scholarships,” said Small.

A diverse amount of scholarships are offered to students year-round. Only about one-fourth or less of the senior class normally applies for the scholarships offered at CVHS. If a student were to apply for a scholarship, it would be likely that his or her chance of receiving the scholarship is relatively high because not a lot of students apply.

Seniors can apply for the Castro Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) scholarship program, submit an application, and be eligible for many scholarships offered locally. For more information, please visit http://www.cvef.org.

For any questions about scholarships and financial aid, contact Small at the CVHS Career Center.