Carnival used to educate students for Financial Aid Awareness Day
Pierce College participated in the district-wide Financial Aid Awareness Day by turning the Student Services Courtyard into a carnival on Wednesday, April 16.
Games, popcorn, a petting zoo and financial aid information were available to anyone in attendance. Participants were encouraged to learn, play and enter a raffle for prizes ranging from gift cards to flip flops.
Financial Aid Director Jennifer Lopez wanted to create an experience to lure participants in and save them money
“First, let them have some fun, then if they haven’t finished an application or even started, we have all hands on deck,” Lopez said. “We have a lab here in the Welcome Center with staff and student workers to help.”
One focus for Lopez was informing students of changes to the payment system that will result in disenrollment, taking effect at the beginning of the Summer 2025 session. Students who have fees that aren’t paid or have no payment plans set in place will be dropped by the published “due date” listed under the Account Services tab in the Student Portal.
Pierce College’s farm provided animals for the petting zoo, bringing sheep, goats and a rooster in collaboration with this event to draw in students. The idea was initiated by Financial Aid Supervisor Magdalena Mejia, who wanted to help both departments and make it memorable.
“We weren’t sure this event was even going to happen with the whole deficit going on,” Mejia said. “It’s a team effort. If more of us come together, the more we can bring to the students.”
Saving money for students is the long-term goal, but the raffles allowed students to win prizes for participating in the event festivities. Raffle winner and Business Administration major Angelica Nuñez Figueroa joined in and reaped the rewards.
“Originally, I came here because I had an appointment with my EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) Counselor,” Figueroa said. “I saw the games and thought it looked fun. I don’t usually win raffles, it’s just for fun, you know, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”
The Financial Aid office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For virtual assistance and live chats, people can visit www.lapc.edu/financial-aid.
