May 10, 2004

(Dallas) - The Dallas County Community College District is teaming up with the office of Congressman Martin Frost to present a one-day program to make students and parents more aware of programs that can make college more affordable. A Rising Star financial aid workshop will be held on Sat., May 22, beginning at 9 a.m. in the library of Moises E. Molina High School, 2355 Duncanville Rd., in Dallas

The program, which is designed to help all interested participants learn how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form either on paper or online, is free and open to students and parents from throughout the Dallas area. Hispanic students are encouraged to attend, and information will be offered in both English and Spanish.

DCCCD's Rising Star program helps eligible students by providing the cost of tuition and books at any of the district's seven colleges. Students simply need to fill out the appropriate financial aid forms; be a graduating senior from a Dallas County public high school or Dallas Can! Academy with a 3.0 grade point average; and have financial need.

"One of the best ways to help your family and your community is to go to college," said Congressman Frost. "The Rising Star program is a great way to make college more affordable, and I hope that families throughout Dallas take advantage of it."

"We are very pleased that Congressman Frost has joined forces with the Dallas County Community College District to promote making college more affordable," said Dr. Jesus "Jess" Carreon, DCCCD's chancellor.

During the workshop, counselors will help parents and students fill out financial aid paperwork, and they will help participants locate financial resources to attend college. Students and parents should bring identification (either a driver's license or student ID); a social security number, if they have one; a resident's card, if they have one; and both the parent's and student's 2003 income tax return.

Parents and students can call Congressman Frost's office in Dallas at 214.948.3401 to RSVP for the workshop (not required). For details, contact: Ann Hatch, 214.860.2478, ahatch@dcccd.edu; or Justin Kitsch, 202.225.3605, justin.kitsch@mail.house.gov.