400 attend NMC’s Cash for College workshop

About 400 high school and college students recently attended the Northern Marianas College’s “Cash for College” workshop last Saturday to obtain one-to-one assistance in finding money to pay for college expenses.

“We are very pleased with the turnout of the event and are glad that many students attended the workshop to maximize scholarship opportunities,” said Leo Pangelinan, dean of Student Services.

Students take time to pose while they fill up scholarship application forms during the recent Cash for College workshop held last Saturday, Nov. 15, 2015, at the NMC As Terlaje campus. (NMC)

At the workshop, participants received personal, step-by-step assistance in completing college financial aid forms for the various federal and local scholarships and grants including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the Saipan Higher Education Financial Aid, the CNMI Scholarship, the College Access Challenge Grant Scholarship, and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation Scholarship.

In addition, staff members from the college’s Office of Admissions and Records were present to provide information and assistance with the NMC application process.

The workshop participants also received free notary and copying services, as well as fee waivers for the NMC admission application fee and placement tests for the upcoming spring 2015 semester.

Many of these participants were students from Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Saipan Southern High School and other private high schools. Some of the participants also included parents of students and students currently enrolled at NMC.

Just last week, Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider designated November as CNMI College Month. The Cash for College workshop is one of many events planned this month to promote a college-going culture in the CNMI. 

“I’m glad I took advantage of this free workshop, and I will definitely be back for the next one,” said one student.

The free Cash for College workshop, including the workshops on Tinian and Rota, were made possible through the financial support from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Access Challenge Grant program. This federal program aims to increase the number of students from under-represented minority populations enrolled in college.

Students who missed the recent Cash for College workshop can visit the NMC’s Financial Aid Office in room N-1 at the As Terlaje campus (Monday-Friday: 8am to 4:30pm) or contacting the office at (67) 237-6792 to receive assistance in filling forms.

The Cash for College event is part of the college and higher education focused activities lined up for College Month. For a list of upcoming activities that are part of College Month, visit www.marianas.edu. (NMC)