Financial aid offers students from low to middle income families the opportunity to attend college. The U.S. Department of Education reports that more than 70 percent of ALL students receive some type of financial aid to help pay for their college education.

The chances of receiving financial aid are excellent, but the annual qualifying process can be challenging, especially for first-generation college students. Students and their parents must complete application forms, submit detailed financial information and meet specific application deadlines.

The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) project leaders will help program participants clear this hurdle by explaining the process, answering questions and, if necessary, helping students complete the forms. Meeting application deadlines is essential. High school students must apply for financial aid the year BEFORE they plan to enter college and should schedule an appointment with a TPP project leader NO LATER than the beginning of their junior year. College students must reapply for financial aid each year.

Participants in the TPP program may apply for federal and state student grants, work-study programs and loans.

Dallas County high school students also may be eligible for Dallas County Community College District's special Rising Star program, which pays tuition, books and fees for qualifying students.

TPP is especially interested in recruiting bilingual students because Hispanics comprise the fastest growing segment of the K-12 public school system. Students interested in becoming bilingual teachers can apply for BEEP program and Building Futures in Education scholarships.