REDWOOD CITY – Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) held a press conference Monday, February 12th, to tell students about the Cal Grant program.  The press conference was held at Cañada College in Redwood City.  Assemblymember Ruskin was joined by students, teachers, Cañada College President Tom Mohr, Ron Galatolo, Chancellor of the San Mateo Community College District, and members of the San Mateo Community College District Board of Trustees.

“Cal Grants can be the essential hand up that makes college accessibility real.  It is vital that students are aware of these grants. I know of many students whose success at Cañada College, San Jose State, Stanford, etc, has been made possible through financial aid.  I myself could never have made it through college without financial aid,” Ruskin said. 

Cal Grants are state-funded grants to help pay for college awarded by the California Student Aid Commission.  The awards do not have to be paid back and are guaranteed for all qualified students who apply before the application deadline.  Students can get up to $9,700 per year to pay for college or career/technical school expenses.  During the 2006 – 2007 school year, the California Student Aid Commission gave nearly $900 million in Cal Grants to 290,000 eligible students throughout the state.  The deadline to apply is March 2nd.

“Cal Grants are part of our State’s investment in our young people – and our own future,” said Ruskin.  Cal Grant money can be used to attend all California public colleges, and most private and independent colleges or career schools, including career/technical education programs as varied as nursing, fashion and culinary arts.  For those interested in pursuing career/technical education programs, Cal Grants also offer a grant that does not prioritize grade point average.

For more information visit www.calgrants.org or call (888) CA-GRANT (888-224-7268) or contact Assemblymember Ruskin’s District Office at (650) 691-2121.