"Cal Grants provide access for students who want to pursue their college, career or technical training, said the Commission's Executive Director, Diana Fuentes-Michel. It is important that students opt-in to pursue their college and career goals and not opt-out because they don't think they qualify for financial aid."

All high school seniors and recent graduates who qualify for a Cal Grant are guaranteed to receive one. To qualify, students must have financial need, at least a 2.0 GPA, and apply by the March 2 Cal Grant application deadline in addition to meeting other requirements.

Cal Grants cover up to $9,708 in tuition and fees and can also help pay for textbooks and living expenses.

Applying for a Cal Grant will also ensure a student applies for a federal Pell Grant, which President Obama and the U.S. Congress just increased through federal stimulus legislation to a maximum amount of $5,350 beginning the fall of 2009-10.

Students, recent graduates and families can get help applying for a Cal Grant and other financial aid at free local Cash for College workshops offered throughout the state through March 2.

Cash for College workshops give hands-on, multilingual financial aid assistance to help students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Cal Grant GPA verification form.

More than 500 free Cash for College workshops are offered throughout the State from January 1 until March 2, with more than 100 remaining. Nearly 2,000 financial aid experts, outreach staff and trained community volunteers assist students and their families.

High school seniors who attend a 2009 Cash for College workshop could also cash in on an extra $1,000 scholarship - up to 500 scholarships in all - provided by College Access Foundation of California.

Students and families can find out more about Cash for College scholarships and locate a remaining workshop in their community at www.calgrants.org.