Washington is among the most generous states in the nation when it comes to supporting access to higher education, with nearly half of Washington households qualifying for some form of financial aid

VANCOUVER — In conjunction with Financial Aid Awareness month this February, the Financial Aid Office at Clark College will host a series of free workshops beginning Feb. 5, to help current and prospective students better understand how to pay for college at its main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA.

Open to the public, the free workshops will cover key financial aid topics including scholarships, student employment, student loans, and maintaining eligibility for aid. The series is designed for anyone considering higher education and who has questions or concerns about college costs.

“Many students and families assume college is out of reach financially, when in reality there are more resources available than ever before,” said Associate Dean of Financial Aid, Glendi Gaddis. “These workshops are about breaking down barriers, busting myths, and helping people feel confident navigating the financial aid process.”

Participants will learn about the different types of financial aid available — including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans — and gain practical guidance on applying for aid and staying eligible once enrolled. 

Washington is among the most generous states in the nation when it comes to supporting access to higher education, with nearly half of Washington households qualifying for some form of financial aid. However, accessing that support often begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) — a step many eligible students do not take.

Clark College’s Financial Aid workshops aim to increase awareness, encourage FAFSA/WAFSA completion, and support current/existing students and families as they navigate the process.

Workshop Schedule (main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver WA)

SCHOLARSHIPS: Show Me the Money
Learn where to find scholarships, how to apply, and tips to stand out. Attendees can also get help with filling out Clark College Foundation scholarship application.

Date: Thursday, February 5        Time: 2-3 p.m., Gaiser Hall  (GHL) 213

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT: Earn While You Learn
Discover on-campus job options, how to apply, and how working can fit into your class schedule.

Date: Monday, February 9           Time: 2-3 p.m., Gaiser Hall  (GHL) 213

MAINTAINING ELIGIBILITY: Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Find out what SAP is, why it matters, and how to stay eligible for financial aid.

Date: Thursday, February 19       Time: 2-3 p.m., Penguin Union Building (PUB) 258B

STUDENT LOANS: Know Before You Owe
Get the facts about student loans, borrowing wisely, and what repayment really looks like.

Date: Monday, February 23         Time: 2-3 p.m., Gaiser Hall (GHL) 205

Financial Aid Resources

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  – https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

• Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WAFSA) – https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa

• State Board of Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC) – https://www.sbctc.edu/paying-for-college/

• Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) – https://wsac.wa.gov/financial-aid

About Clark’s Financial Aid Office

The Clark College Financial Aid Office supports students by providing access to financial resources, education, and guidance that empower them to achieve their academic and professional goals. Services include financial aid advising, workshops, work study opportunities, and financial wellness resources.

Learn more: https://clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-aid
FAQs: https://www.clark.edu/enroll/paying-for-college/financial-aid/faq.php

Event Information

Location: Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 

Cost: Free – there is no fee to attend. No registration required.

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

All Are Welcome: Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.
Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. 

Accommodation: If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact hr@clark.edu or 360-992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves almost 10,000 students, including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, and multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first in their families to attend college.  

Information provided by Clark College Communications.