Financial Aid

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) introduced legislation that could help streamline the financial aid process for community college students and improve access to government aid programs. The bill would establish a three-year pilot program at 10 California community colleges where the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, would be accepted to apply for federal and state financial aid. Currently, students have to fill out two forms, Portantino said.

Alecia Foster NORTHEAST GLENDALE -- State Sen. Jack Scott (D-Glendale) is trying to get the word out about state money available for college tuition. Scott's office will sponsor a workshop Saturday for parents and teens on what funds are available and how to get them. The state senator's office has been working with local private and public schools to let people know about the Cal Grant Program, a type of state financial aid that guarantees assistance to students who meet scholastic and financial requirements.

Clark Magnet High School counselor Linda Doll has become accustomed to worried seniors asking about the growing costs of college tuition. As the economy has fallen further into recession and local unemployment rates have risen, students have begun to accept the reality that a college degree might put them in debt for a very, very long time, she said. But a plan that was folded into the stimulus package recently passed by the House of Representatives might offer students hope during the nationwide slump.

Tim Willert PASADENA -- Students enrolled in California public colleges would receive increased federal financial aid under legislation being proposed by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale). Speaking before community college and California State University administrators and students on the campus of Pasadena City College on Monday, Schiff introduced a bill that would improve college assistance programs, including the amount of Pell Grant awards. The Access to Higher Education Act of 2001 would repeal Pell Grant rules that limit awards to the cost of tuition, which is extremely low in California compared to other states.

Crescenta Valley High School will host a series of informational meet- ings this school year about college scholarships and financial aid. "What is Available in Financial Aid?" will be at 7 tonight in the CV High cafeteria, 4400 Ramsdell Ave. The meeting is free and open to students and parents. California Institute of Technology Director of Financial Aid David Levy will discuss programs available to seniors for education after high school.

The Glendale Community Foundation is offering more than $17,000 in student financial aid for local students who plan to attend college this fall. The deadline for submitting applications is March 14. Applications can be obtained by calling the foundation at 241-8040, or writing the foundation at P.O. Box 313, Glendale, CA 91209-0313. The foundation offers one loan program that applies to students studying any curriculum and a second loan program for students who want to become an educator of handicapped children.

A regional chapter of Boys & Girls Club is expanding its reach and launching a new after school program at Crescenta Valley Park that will double the number of students served in some programs, organizers say. Scheduled to start in the fall, the collaboration between Boys & Girls Club of Burbank & Greater East Valley and the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department will replace an existing program currently operated by the county at...

Darleene Barrientos An increase in tuition at Glendale Community College is to blame for the nearly 7% drop in enrollment this fall, college officials said Thursday. The number of students enrolled at the college was finalized Thursday at 14,591, a 6.8% drop from last year's enrollment of 15,648, Registrar Michelle Mora said. And although there are fewer students, they are taking the exact number of classroom hours they did last year, said Steve White, the college's vice president of instructional services.

School officials to host forums Two free financial aid forums have been scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday for high school seniors. The Tuesday session at the Glendale Civic Auditorium will focus on how to get financial aid, with sessions in Armenian, Korean, Spanish and English. Money management will be the theme for the Wednesday session in the main auditorium at Glendale Community College. Financial aid experts will offer information regarding aid opportunities and money management for students, parents and the general community.

A regional chapter of Boys & Girls Club is expanding its reach and launching a new after school program at Crescenta Valley Park that will double the number of students served in some programs, organizers say. Scheduled to start in the fall, the collaboration between Boys & Girls Club of Burbank & Greater East Valley and the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department will replace an existing program currently operated by the county at...

A Glendale Community College counselor who works extensively with undocumented students said he welcomes the spirit of a recent executive order freezing the deportation of some young illegal immigrants, but added that it will have limited effect on their ability to achieve legal residency and get career-track jobs. President Obama announced on June 15 that some illegal immigrants 30 years old and younger will be permitted to apply with the federal government for a two-year deportation waiver.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed two pieces of legislation by two local lawmakers this week, but vetoed a bill introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). A bill prohibiting cities from banning male circumcision, introduced by Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake), is now law. Gatto had introduced the legislation in response to a proposed ban on male circumcision that was on the ballot in San Francisco. Also, it is now unlawful for criminals to deduct business expenses connected with illegal activity and then receive a state tax refund.

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) introduced legislation that could help streamline the financial aid process for community college students and improve access to government aid programs. The bill would establish a three-year pilot program at 10 California community colleges where the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, would be accepted to apply for federal and state financial aid. Currently, students have to fill out two forms, Portantino said.

GLENDALE— Nineteen-year-old Nancy Fernandez is in her second year at Glendale Community College, but once she gets her degree, there'll be no where to go for her to go. She was admitted to slew of University of California campuses after high school, but she cannot afford tuition. "I need financial aid," she said. "I don't have the resources to go where I could go. " She said her parents brought her to the U.S. when she was eight-months-old. Her undocumented status forbids her from traditional avenues for financial aid. She joined more than two dozen Glendale Community College students and alums Tuesday to support the federal DREAM Act, which would give qualified undocumented immigrants access to citizenship, and by extension, financial aid. They'd get a green card after they enroll in a college or serve in the military.

CITY HALL — When longtime Glendale firefighter Robert Garibay spent a year in Iraq serving as a medic in the U.S. Army National Guard, he left behind his wife and two teenage children. But while she was left on her own, Garibay's wife didn't have to cope with diminished finances thanks to supplementary salary payments from the city of Glendale. "She had to be the mom and the dad and the money definitely helped out with financial woes," Garibay said. "It made it very easy for me to be over there.

I was so proud of my city Thursday night! Not only was I witnessing the premiere performance of our new Glendale Renaissance Orchestra on the lawn of the Americana at Brand (“Concert Review: Chill, spirited,” May 1), but I was also treated to two renowned artists performing a lovely variety of music. It did my heart good to witness such professional artists almost in my backyard. I became a season subscriber because I want to support the city and the emergence of the arts in Glendale.

GLENDALE — Local education officials this week said President Obama’s expansion of federal aid for college-bound students could make the process less intimidating for those seeking financial help. Provisions included in the so-called health-care reconciliation bill expand the range of Pell Grants and federal financial aid for lower-income students, a move that Glendale Community College officials and high school guidance counselors said would simplify what has been an arduous financial aid system for students.

GLENDALE — Students will have to pay $375 if they choose to take two semesters’ worth of classes during summer school, according to a cost-saving plan school board members unanimously approved Tuesday. The Glendale Unified School District plan comes without any guarantee of financial aid or scholarships for students who want to advance through a subject or who want to fulfill a graduation requirement. Students who want to take one semester’s worth of course work, such as health, would pay $190.