Inland Empire college officials and dignitaries gathered to send a simple message to students looking to go to college.
Apply for financial aid.
During a Wednesday, Oct. 8, event at San Bernardino Valley College, they launched the Cash for College campaign.
It aims to encourage students and their parents to fill out financial aid paperwork through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the California Dream Act Application.
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Angel Rodriguez, a commissioner for the California Student Aid Commission and a San Bernardino Community College District associate vice chancellor, speaks at San Bernardino Valley College during a Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, event to kick off the Cash for College campaign. (Courtesy of Erick Zambrano, San Bernardino Community College District)
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Angel Rodriguez, a commissioner for the California Student Aid Commission and a San Bernardino Community College District associate vice chancellor, speaks at San Bernardino Valley College during a Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, event to kick off the Cash for College campaign. (Courtesy of Erick Zambrano, San Bernardino Community College District)
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The event organized by the California Student Aid Commission, the San Bernardino Community College District and KVCR Public Media brought together local educators — and mascots from Inland colleges and universities.
“We know it’s getting harder to save for college and many families feel they haven’t saved enough,” Diana Rodriguez, the district’s chancellor said, according to a news release. “Financial aid is here to help, especially for working and middle-class families.”
Last year, about 44,000 Inland Empire high school seniors — 7 in 10 — applied for aid, but 3 in 10 missed out, the release states.
“That means thousands of families left money on the table,” said Angel Rodriguez, a member of the commission and a San Bernardino college district associate vice chancellor. “Cash for College is how we change that and make sure every family knows help is here.”
To locate free in-person or online workshops and guidelines on applying, students and families can visit IECashForCollege.org or CSAC.ca.gov.
The application period began Wednesday, Oct. 1, and has a priority deadline of March 2.
Families also can call the California Student Aid Commission at 888-224-7268.
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