Money For College: How Much is Enough?

As college tuition and fees have steadily risen, most parents are concerned about preparing for this big expense.

They often ask, "How can I make sure the dollars needed are there when my daughter or son is ready to pursue higher education?"

David Levy, director of Financial Aid at Caltech, and Catherine Thomas, associate dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at University of Southern California know first hand the financial challenges facing students and their families. Each day they work with young people who dream of attending two of the finest educational institutions in America. And they know if you are not prepared, the doors will not open.

By taking a few steps now, parents can help ensure access to the college or university of their child's dreams. Levy and Thomas will present "Planning for Your Child's Educational Future" on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale. During this free program parents will learn simple, yet effective ways to develop a financial plan for college--whether their child is 1 month old or 15 years old.

Hosted by the Child Educational Center and Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation as a service to the community, this free program is open to all parents, grandparents, and expectant parents.

For more information or to RSVP, call 354-3418.

Founded in 1979, the Child Educational Center, which is located in La Cañada Flintridge, is a private, not for profit organization of early childhood education providing national accredited child care, teacher training, parent education and consulting.

Opened in 1972, Verdugo Hills Hospital, located in north Glendale, is a 158-bed not for profit medical facility providing personalized, high-quality, state-of-the-art services that meet the communities' healthcare needs.