As part of its
efforts to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin
Luther King, Jr., Victor
Valley College is encouraging African-Americans to seek
higher education and utilize financial aid resources
that are available to help students reach their education
dreams.
“A high
quality and affordable education is within reach for
African-Americans, or persons of any race,
who want to make their higher education dreams a reality,” said
California Community Colleges Chancellor Marshall “Mark” Drummond. “Our
commitment to ALL Californians is to ensure access and
affordability. California’s community colleges
welcome any student who wants to seek education beyond
high
school – whether they’re interested in expanding
their job skills, attaining a two-year degree or transferring
to a four-year college.”
Annually, there
are approximately 195,000 African-Americans attending
one of the 109 community college campuses and
approximately 48 percent of these students receive some
form of financial aid.
“Victor
Valley College is an invaluable resource for ALL students,” said
Greg Ryan, Director of Financial Aid. “Regardless
of ethnic background, age, or socio-economic status,
one thing I can promise
everyone who attends our college: When you step through
our doors, you have become a part of the most vibrant
higher education community in the world and we are committed
to your success.”
Effective January 1, 2007, community college fees decreased
from $26 per unit to $20 per unit. This is one reason
why enrollments are growing at Victor Valley College.
The community
colleges have kept their pledge to help underserved
communities by promoting
financial aid availability
through a statewide financial aid awareness campaign.
The “I Can Afford College” campaign encourages
students to visit www.icanaffordcollege.com or call toll-free
1.800.987.ICAN (4226) to learn about
financial aid available year round to help students pay
for fees, books, supplies and other educationally related
expenses. The site provides basic information and can
directly connect visitors to their closest community
college financial aid office where they can receive free
one-on-one assistance identifying options and completing
the forms.
“Education
is the sole equalizer in our transitioning economy
and with the help of financial aid and the welcomed
news of a fee reduction, all Californians have access
to an affordable, high quality education through the
community college system,” said Drummond. “As
we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is important
to remember the role he felt education played in equality
in the United States.”
California Community
Colleges is the largest system of higher education
in the world
with 109 colleges and
72 districts that provided educational, vocational and
transfer programs to more than 2.5 million students during
the 2004-2005 academic year.
