Financial Aid kicked off its Financial Awareness week Tuesday by setting up booths and giving away free nachos and snow cones to Cerritos College students.

Even though the treats were provided for no fee, students had to participate by walking to each of the booths and getting information from each one.

“It’s basically for students to learn how to apply for financial aid and the different resources available to them in addition to EOPS, and CalWORKs,” said Yesenia Ramirez.

She added that in order for the students to receive their free nachos and snow cones they had to visit each of the tables that were providing information and free giveaways. They would receive different color tickets, which they will turn into her and get their free food.

“It works because they’re hungry and they need to eat,” Ramirez said.

The different programs that were available to students were EOPS, CalWORKs and LINC, which is a foster youth program.
 
Ramirez explained that CalWORKs helps with temporary assistant for needy families, childcare expenses and offers work-study programs to help students get jobs.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is intended for tutoring, book grants, and financial aid workshops.

Leaders Involved in Creating Change (LINC), which is solely a program for, foster youth. They offer $5000 more in financial aid for the students in the program.

“We are out here trying to spread the word of the foster youth program, not a lot of people know about this, but if they do they should bring them down here so we can help them out with more financial aid,” said Kou

He also mentioned that the LINC program started about two years ago and it has been successful throughout the semesters,” said Cuxa Valladares, English major.

Particular students were walking around dressed up in dollar bills but neither of them were available for a comment.

There will be another event held Thursday evening from 5p.m. to 7p.m in front of the library.