WHAT: Federal student aid can play an essential role in supporting postsecondary education for many young students, but often the applications and paper work can be a little confusing for families. That’s why Bell Gardens High School is hosting two Cash for College workshops to assist students and other community members with the process of applying for financial aid.

Cash for College workshops provide free, one-on-one professional financial aid assistance to students and their families. In addition to helping with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), staff will also be available to help families complete the California Dream Act application for eligible AB540 students.

Students should bring the following financial documents: federal income tax returns filed in 2014 for themselves and their parents, W-2 forms or records of earnings for themselves and their parents and current bank statements, and records of stocks, bonds or other investments. If 2014 taxes have not yet been filed, student and parents should bring 2013 tax returns.

Students who successfully submit their FAFSA/Dream Act applications during the workshops will also be eligible to receive up to $2,000 in scholarship funds.

For more information, please contact Bell Gardens High School’s College Counselor Tracy Brendzal at (323) 826-5151 or visit www.lacashforcollege.org.

WHEN:  3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21

WHERE: Bell Gardens High School Library, 6119 Agra St., Bell Gardens, CA 90201