Published Jan. 26, 2010
By Sara Schilling, Tri-City Herald staff writer
Two events aimed at helping Tri-City area students get a jump start on higher education are planned in the next few days at Columbia Basin College in Pasco.
The first event, called College Night, is from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Gjerde Center. Nearly 3,000 area high school seniors and their parents have been invited to learn about CBC’s programs, get information on financial aid, meet instructors and hear from students.
Seniors who attend also will be able to apply for $1,000 College Night scholarships. At least two scholarships will be awarded; students must turn in their applications at College Night to be eligible.
The event is put on annually but typically is aimed at under-represented students, such as those from low-income families. However, this year college officials have broadened their target demographic to include all students.
Because of the slumping economy, “we figure more and more students are going to need to have some other options” when it comes to higher education, said Roy Garcia, CBC’s director of outreach. “What better place than your own backyard?”
CBC also is playing host to a College Goal Sunday event from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Thornton Center. Volunteers will be on hand to help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
The College Goal Sunday at CBC is one of several being put on throughout the state.
Applying for financial aid “can be an overwhelming thing. We want to help as many people as we can get their FAFSA in,” said Andrew Crawmer, CBC’s assistant director of outreach.
Students who attend also will be eligible to apply for two $500 scholarships. The scholarships don’t have to be used at CBC.
The College Goal Sunday event is for all students, not just those planning to attend the Pasco community college.
Students should bring their tax information. Students who are under 24 and are considered dependents should bring their parents’ tax information.
For more information, call 542-4423.
Deadline nears
The deadline to apply for Columbia Basin College Foundation scholarships is Feb. 21. For details, go to columbiabasin.edu/foundation
Additional news stories can be accessed online at the Tri-City Herald.