Looking Forward: Paying for College

Please note: Congressman Swalwell plans to participate in the event virtually from Washington, DC.
Register online at RepSwalwell.Eventbrite.com

The Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation, in coordination with Congressman Eric Swalwell, invites the Tri-Valley community to Looking Forward – Paying for College on Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 PM, at the Robert Livermore Community Center (4444 East Avenue, Livermore). Families of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend this information-packed presentation. Colette Hadley, Director of Consulting Services with the National College Access Network, will discuss the philosophy, sources and types of financial aid available for college and career training. Hadley says, “Early financial aid awareness helps families prepare and plan wisely.” Families with students of any age will walk away with valuable information.

“Right now, 40 million young people have about $1.3 trillion in student loan debt. It’s the moral crisis of our time,” says Congressman Swalwell. “I want all students and their families to understand the options available to them for paying for college and vocational training, especially grants and work-study that will reduce the cost without adding debt.”

“It is important that students and families do not self-select out of aid,” explains Hadley. “I have seen too many middle class families make unwise decisions when paying for college due to limited financial aid awareness,” she continues.

The Federal and State governments, along with colleges, and organizations such as the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation, provide support that makes college and career training financially feasible for students of all backgrounds. Hadley will explain how community college fee waivers, student loans, work study programs, scholarships, grants, and tax-exempt college savings plans help families pay for college. “In 2014, the State of California provided $1.7 billion to help students afford college. However, families and students need to learn how to access that aid and understand their role in paying for college,” explains Hadley.

“When students know help is available to pay for college and vocational training, they are more likely to view higher education as an option,” adds Swalwell.

“While the Pedrozzi Foundation provides scholarships to graduates of Livermore high schools, this information is beneficial to all, so we invite any interested Tri-Valley family to join us,” says Carolyn Siegfried, Executive Director, Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation. “Ms. Hadley is passionate about helping communities increase rates of college completion and believes that early financial aid awareness is a key contributor to increasing those rates. Our community is fortunate to have her share her expertise with us.”

“Congressman Swalwell believes that the Federal and State governments play a critical role in providing affordable access to quality education to prepare students for future careers in our global economy,” explains Siegfried. “We are grateful to be working in coordination with him to share this valuable information.”

The presentation is free to attend; register online at RepSwalwell.Eventbrite.com.

For more information contact the Pedrozzi Scholarship Foundation at 925-456-3700 or info@PedrozziFoundation.org.

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Colette Hadley (Director of Consulting Services, National College Access Network) helps foundations, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and schools to deploy best practices in college access and financial aid advising services. Learn more at National College Access Network.

The Pedrozzi Foundation provides college and vocational scholarships and resources to Livermore students. We believe that all students deserve the chance to pursue their educational and career goals and that the lack of finances or information should not be a barrier. Every day we create an impact by helping our students achieve their dreams. Learn more at PedrozziFoundation.org.

Congressman Eric Swalwell proudly represents California’s Fifteenth Congressional District, which includes a large portion of the East Bay. In January 2015, he was sworn in for his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives, continuing his work to bring new energy, ideas, and a problem-solving spirit to Congress and advance policies that will support equality, opportunity, and security. Learn more at Swalwell.House.gov.