Back

Rio Hondo College News

MEDIA ALERT
3600 Workman Mill Road / Whittier, CA 90601 / 562-692-0921
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Merle Enriquez   Secretary
Department: Planning and Development
Phone:  (562) 692-0921  Ext. 3412
Rio E-Mail: MEnriquez@riohondo.edu Whittier Union High School District

9401 South Painter Ave. Whittier, CA 90605
(562) 698-8121

PRESS RELEASE
February 3, 2006

Santa Fe High Hosts Financial Aid Workshop for College-bound Students and Families
Practical Advice and Hands-On Assistance with Paperwork Key Component of Saturday Event

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA - Santa Fe High School in the Whittier Union High School District, in partnership with the Financial Aid Office at Rio Hondo College, hosted its second annual Cash For College event on Saturday, January 28, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All Santa Fe High seniors and their parents were invited to the event and approximately 90 families attended.

The program opened with an information session on the basics of financial aid for college. Presenters answered questions such as, “What is financial aid?”, “How can you apply?”, “How do I find out about scholarship opportunities?”, and “How do I avoid getting scammed?”

Following the general information session, participants were able to spend 30 minutes with a financial aid representative from Rio Hondo College. Financial Aid professionals went over the forms and paperwork needed to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submission of the FAFSA is a requirement in applying for federal student aid.

Another session included information on technology and how parents and students can complete their FAFSA online. At the end of the day, participants were asked to fill out an exit survey. Those who completed both GPA Verification and FAFSA were eligible for $1,000.00 scholarship drawing.

“Al our high schools pride themselves on helping students prepare for college,” said WUHSD Superintendent Sandra Thorstenson. “Not only do we want our students to be accepted to college, we want them to actually attend. Programs like Santa Fe’s ‘Cash for College’ spread the word about financial aid and help make it possible for our students to pay for their education.”

Last year the class of 2005 reported receiving $963,128 in community, college/university and federal scholarships and grants. This year, Santa Fe High School principal Dr. Monica Oviedo intends to surpass the $1,000,000 mark in scholarships received by graduating seniors. “It is our goal at Santa Fe high School to see that every student who wants to attend college has that opportunity,” she said.

In addition to federal student aid and university-based scholarships, Santa Fe High School students are supported by generous community organizations and community contributors. This past year, students received aid from many groups, including the Santa Fe Springs Chamber of Commerce which gave a $20,000 Destiny Scholarship, the City of Santa Fe Springs ($8,000), the Santa Fe Springs Rotary ($10,000), the Santa Fe Springs Kiwanis Club ($5,000) and the Whittier Elks Club ($5,000-$10,000).

“The success of our schools and students is dependent on the support we receive from the community,” said Alex Morales, WUHSD Board of Trustees President. “The generosity of our community partners when it comes to scholarships for our students shows their commitment to the future of our young people and our schools.”

Opened in 1955, Santa Fe High School is located in Santa Fe Springs, CA. The school, part of Whittier Union High School District, serves students in grades nine through twelve.


-RHC-

Back