College Writers/Education Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.
"California Community Colleges financial aid programs already
serve a half a million students each year, awarding more than $1.

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----California
Community Colleges Chancellor Mark Drummond proclaimed May as
"Community College Financial Aid Awareness Month" at a campus press
conference in Sacramento today. But you have to apply!"
At today's event, which was held at Sacramento City College,
community college officials and other proponents of higher education
emphasized that financial aid is still available at each of
California's 109 community college campuses for this fall's term.com to directly connect by phone or email with a
local financial aid officer for free one-on-one assistance with
completing forms.

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Nissan Launches the Nissan Student Government Leadership Program

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WHAT: The NSGLP includes leadership sessions, experiential exercises,
nationally recognized speakers as well as activities which will
enhance the students' self-awareness, self -management, social
political awareness and interpersonal relationships.
Note: Additional information can be viewed on the program's official
website: http: //www. The helpline connects callers to the
financial aid office at the nearest community college or one of their
choice within a 25-mile radius of their zip code.

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The site, in both English and Spanish ,
provides basic information and forms for those who are ready to begin
the financial aid application process.
"Financial aid is available to cover enrollment fees and to assist
students with textbooks and other educationally related items," said
Susan Jones.

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WHEN: Sunday, August 7 , 2005 - Wednesday, August 10, 2005

WHERE: Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi

WHY: Nissan has a commitment to support Historically Black Colleges
and Universities.NissanSGLP.com.

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The NSGLP will provide student participants
with valuable leadership training and networking opportunities
which will enhance their service as leaders on their respective
campuses and in their communities.
-- Featuring NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving,
Dr.
"To raise awareness of the availability of financial aid, we have
developed new resources in the last year, so students will have even
more assistance in finding ways to pay for college."

California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher
education in the world with 109 colleges and 72 districts providing
educational, vocational and transfer programs to more than 2.

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,

WHO: Nissan North America presents the inaugural session of the
Nissan Student Government Leadership Program (NSGLP). Community college officials also
announced that campuses across the state will be hosting free
financial aid events and workshops throughout the month to help
students identify and apply for financial aid programs that are
available year-round at community colleges. San Antonio College in Walnut.

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com

Those people who lack Internet access can call a toll-free
helpline , 1-800-987-ICAN (4226).

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icanaffordcollege.

counts involving

m. They
also highlighted their commitment to doing everything possible to help
students obtain that aid.com Web site for
a list of scheduled events throughout the state and event updates.

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Luncheon with guest speakers
Monday, August 8, 2005 at 11:30 a.

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Check the www.

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Circle K is an organization devoted to involving college and university students in campus and community service while developing quality leaders and citizens.

campuses leadership

"Increased costs should not be a deterrent; help is
available to cover fee increases and other expenses.

ring 50

JACKSON, Miss.

KICK-OFF Welcome Reception
EVENTS: Sunday , August 7, 2005 at 6:00 p. "Yet many current and potential students remain unaware
of the opportunities to obtain financial aid or think they can't apply
after the Cal Grant March 2nd deadline.

Community College Financial Aid Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, education is the key to a successful future for many
Californians; and

WHEREAS, California's 109 community colleges serve an essential
role in the economic and social strength of the state and its
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, many potential community college students make their
enrollment decisions virtually year round and as a result are often
unaware of the availability of, and application requirements for,
various financial aid programs; and

WHEREAS, many high school students and most adult re-entry
students miss the Cal Grant March deadline for Financial Aid; and

WHEREAS, the population of the state in need of higher education
and career training continues to grow; and

WHEREAS, some low-income families may believe college is out of
reach because community college enrollment fees have more than doubled
in the last two years from $11 to $26 dollars per unit; and

WHEREAS, the cost of textbooks and instructional materials has
nearly doubled in the last five years, discouraging many students and
their families from participating in education and training programs;
and

WHEREAS, one-on-one assistance is both critical and available for
community college students and their families to navigate the
financial aid application process; and

WHEREAS, nearly 750,000 California Community College students
received more than $1 billion in financial aid from federal, state and
private sources in 2003-04; and

WHEREAS, student financial aid provides Californians access to
higher education and career training regardless of their age,
background, or financial resources; and

WHEREAS, increasing awareness of student financial assistance
programs is critical to ensuring that all Californians have the
opportunity to create their own future and thereby further the
economic and social vitality of the State;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARSHALL (MARK) DRUMMOND , Chancellor of the
California Community Colleges system, do hereby proclaim May 2005 as
Community College Financial Aid Awareness Month.

while inspires

Michael Lomax, President + CEO of the UNCF and
Attorney Brent Clinkscale

CONTACT: Maria Bowe 310-909-4627
Jocelyn Coleman 336-558-8063

Interviews are available on-site upon request. There is no reason
why any potential or current student attending a community college in
the state of California should not apply for financial aid," Drummond
added.

Circle K inspires people to better our world through its international membership of over 11,000 collegians on more than 500 college campuses in nine nations.

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"If you are worried about paying
for college, financial aid can help.

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California Community Colleges Launch May as Financial Aid Awareness Month

involving nine

"We want all Californians to realize that attending one of
California's community colleges is an achievable goal," said Susan
Jones, president of the California Community Colleges Student
Financial Aid Administrators Association and Director of Financial Aid
at Mt.

Note to Editors: Following is the official proclamation from
Chancellor Drummond.icanaffordcollege.

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We have
invited SGA presidents and/or vice presidents from 60
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to attend
the 3-day program.1
billion in federal, state and private aid last year," said Chancellor
Mark Drummond. Visitors can also use
icanaffordcollege.

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The primary resource available to students interested in applying
for financial aid is a comprehensive and easy to use Web site,
www.

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5 million
students each year.