Anyone can be the star of their own life. A college degree can truly make a difference, and bring success beyond any wildest dreams. For the last three years, the California Community Colleges “I Can Afford College” statewide financial aid awareness campaign has been working hard to spread the word about the various types of financial aid available year-round, which can help pay for a college education

And now, one of television and radio’s most popular personalities, Ryan Seacrest, has joined the “I Can Afford College” campaign, recording radio spots promoting the “Live Your Dream” contest on the icanaffordcollege.com Website. The 30-second and 15-second radio spots will be broadcast statewide. The “I Can Afford College” campaign partnered with Clear Channel Communications and the Fox Broadcasting Network to give current and potential community college students the chance to live their dreams through an innovative financial aid contest tied to the American Idol television show.

Helping Students Live Their Dreams

American Idol Contestants are living their dream.  California community colleges want to help students live their dreams, too.  With the message, “the ticket to your future begins with college and we can help,” the Live Your Dream contest will launch on Monday, September 24, 2007 and run through Wednesday, October 31, 2007.  The contest stresses that icanaffordcollege.com will provide information on how to get financial aid for fees, books, supplies and even the rent.

And, while on the site the contest encourages visitors to enter to win a VIP trip for two to an American Idol concert anywhere in the U.S. The contest, paid for by Clear Channel, will give five lucky winners two (2) VIP tickets to any American Idol concert tour date in the United States. Lodging and airfare will also be provided, in addition to a $500 American Express gift card that can be used for spending money. Linda Michalowski, Vice Chancellor of Student Services and Special Programs at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office said that, “A college education is the key to living your dreams. It’s very exciting to be able to offer an added incentive by tying our financial aid awareness campaign to one of today’s most popular television shows, American Idol.”

A Chance to Win

For a chance to win the California Community Colleges Live Your Dream American Idol contest, individuals can visit http://www.icanaffordcollege.com/, where they will find information on the financial aid opportunities available year-round, and applications to start the process. For those who do not have Internet access, they can participate in the contest by calling 1-530-677-2005 to request an entry form.

“We want to encourage everyone to apply for financial aid, and to pursue their higher education and career dreams. Applying for financial aid doesn’t have to be a daunting task,” said Michalowski. “Community colleges remain dedicated to ensuring that students, especially those that need it most, continue to have financial aid resources available to them to help pay for fees, books, supplies and other costs such as transportation and rent.” The 109 California community colleges offer quality programs and degrees that are affordable and flexible.

Increasing Financial Aid Applications

Since the launch of the “I Can Afford College” campaign, financial aid applications have increased statewide. During the 2005-06 school year, California community college students received more than $1.1 BILLION in federal, state, and private financial aid. Additionally, some 700,000 students received a ‘Board of Governors Fee Waiver’ (BOGFW), which covers California community college fees.

For more information on financial aid opportunities at California community colleges, logon to http://www.icanaffordcollege.com/ or call the statewide toll-free help line at 1-800-987-ICAN (4226).

 

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About the Author

Bobby Peña
President
BPcubed, Inc.
Sacramento, California

Mr. Peña is a proven communications executive with a solid track record of success in all aspects of public relations, media relations, crisis management, community relations and communications. Colleagues recognize Bobby as an effective, innovative, energetic and ethical communications leader well seasoned in managing and communicating through calm or crisis. Reporters know him as a strong resource for information on health care and the managed care industry. He enjoys a strong background in all areas of health care with health care communications and strategic planning experience for all sectors including health plans, physicians and hospitals.

With over a decade of high-profile experience in the trenches of the health care debate, Bobby is responsible for the strategic creative direction and account management of all clients and oversees the planning and execution of all public relations and communications efforts for BP³.

Peña has served on the California Community Colleges, “I Can Afford College” financial aid awareness campaign since its inception, providing public relations and community relations support.

Mr. Peña holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Pacific Union College. He has held high profile positions in the hospital setting, large managed care organizations and most recently served as vice president, communications for the California Association of Health Plans. Mr. Peña is a well-respected member of the Latino business community and he has helped large and small for- and non-profit organizations, and government agencies reach the Latino community. While at Aetna U.S. Healthcare Mr. Peña was on the small team that created the company’s first Multicultural Taskforce to reach internal and external audiences.

Mr. Peña can be reached at bpena@bp3.com. The BPcubed Website is http://www.bp3.com/.