By Mike Taylor

Walnut – With more than 1,200 attendees expected, Mt. San Antonio College will offer free financial aid assistance to area high school seniors and their parents during its annual “Cash for College” fair on Sat., Feb. 21. The event kicks off with opening presentations by Congressman Ed Royce, Assembly members Freddie Rodriguez and Roger Hernandez, and Senators Ed Hernandez, Bob Huff, and Connie Leyva, starting at 9 a.m. in Mt. SAC’s Sophia B. Clarke Theater.

“This event is all about helping students fill out the necessary financial aid forms by the March 2 deadline so that they don’t miss out on thousands of dollars that may be available to them,” said Mt. SAC Financial Aid Director, Chau Dao.

Cash for College provides hands-on assistance to college-bound students and their parents in completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for the 2015-16 academic year. The event also helps students maximize their financial aid prospects by meeting the March 2 priority financial aid filing deadline. Assistance with the California Dream Act application will also be available. Filing applications early is recommended.

Parents and students must bring a copy of students’ Social Security cards or permanent resident cards, and a 2014 federal 1040 tax return and W-2. If 2014 information is not available, a 2013 tax return may be used along with 2013 W-2 forms. The workshop information and assistance can be used to apply to any college, not just Mt. SAC.

Information and application forms will also be available for Admissions, Extended Opportunity and Programs Services, and other Mt. SAC student support services.

A free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and participants may also be eligible for a $1,500 scholarship sponsored through the California Student Aid Commission.

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office at (909) 274- 4457, email for more information at scholarships@mtsac.edu, or make a reservation online at http://www.mtsac.edu/financialaid/cashfair.html.