The California Community College’s Chancellor's Office on Monday, January 18, launched a new advertising campaign for its “I Can Afford College” statewide financial aid awareness initiative. The new digital media and radio ads remind current and prospective students of the financial aid opportunities available year-round at California community colleges.
The director of the new video ad, Zach King, is an American social media celebrity, film-maker and YouTube personality. He is most known for his "magic vines," six-second digitally edited videos that feature magic tricks. His film company, The Zach King Team, produced the video.
“Our system is always looking for new and innovative ways to reach and engage both current and prospective students,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris. “Zach brings with him the unique ability to tap into the digital universe and connect our colleges with young adults and their families to raise awareness about financial aid. We’re thrilled to partner with him on such an important project.”
The video ad, available in 60-second, 30-second and 15-second formats, will feature several of King’s magic tricks custom-made for the spot. The radio ad, which is also the audio track for the video and digital media spots, is a musical throwback to the 1960s funk genre but blended with the melody and harmony of today’s pop music.
"It’s exciting to be involved with the California Community Colleges on such a creative project,” said King. “The new ad encourages people to consider college as a way to follow their dreams and create a better life for themselves. It’s cool to be able to use video, and the tricks I’ve had so much fun creating, to raise awareness about the value of a college education and the fact that there’s money available to help cover the costs."
The new video ad can be found at “A Little Bit of Magic.”
There are many different types of financial aid at available at California community colleges. In addition to the Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver which covers fees, there are grants and scholarships that don't have to be paid back, work study programs, and loans. Financial assistance can be used to pay for fees, books, supplies and sometimes even help with rent.
To explore the variety of financial aid opportunities available, interested parties can visit the California Community Colleges “I Can Afford College” website at www.icanaffordcollege.com. The site, offered in both English and Spanish, features financial aid information, tools and helpful resources, links to financial aid applications, and a zip code locator where visitors can get connected with their local college financial aid office for more information and assistance completing the forms.
Although financial aid is available year-round, to get the most aid offered for fall 2016, current and prospective students should apply by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline. Beginning this month, many colleges will be offering financial aid workshops to provide free one-on-one assistance identifying the various types of aid available and completing the forms.
Upcoming workshops can be found on the “I Can Afford College” website at http://bit.ly/1IRzNxi.