The California Student Aid Commission recently announced the launch of the 2008 Cal Grant Campaign which offers mid- and low-income California students free cash for college and career training.

With nearly 370,000 California high school seniors projected to graduate this year, the state seeks to encourage these youths to attend college, especially low-income, diverse and underserved populations. The Cal Grant program makes secondary education financially accessible to Californians.

California's most educated sector of the population, age 45 to 64, is approaching retirement. But by 2025, only 32 percent of the state's working-age adults will have a college degree. Economic projections indicate that 41 percent of jobs will require a degree. Californians age 25 to 35 have lower levels of college attainment than the U.S. national average and lower levels than countries with comparable economies.

The Commission has formed the Cal Grant College Cash Crew, a group of current and recent Cal Grant recipients that will encourage California students to apply for Cal Grants. Informational workshops will be held throughout the state to help students fill out forms and apply for Cal Grant money.

For more information about the financial aid program, visit www.calgrants.org.