Registration is open for spring 2021 courses at Central Arizona College. Classes will begin Jan. 19, 2021.

Funding may be available for those interested in starting or continuing their degree.

Students planning to attend classes this spring should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.ed.gov to see how much financial aid they may qualify for.

Additional funding options that are available through CAC include Early College, CARES Act Funding and various scholarships.

Early College is a program that provides Pinal County high school students an opportunity to get an early start into college by taking courses while still enrolled in high school during the fall, spring and summer semesters. Students must be enrolled in four high school classes to participate in the Early College Program. Students who enroll in this program may register for up to five college credits. They will receive a tuition waiver (covering in state tuition) and must maintain a CAC GPA of 2.5. Students are responsible for the costs of books, transportation, and class materials, and the tuition waiver can only be used for CAC 100 level or higher courses. To view the full details about the Early College program, go to centralaz.edu/earlycollege.

Current students may be eligible for CARES Act Funding. Eligible students from Spring 2020 who already received CARES funds can apply for an additional $350. Current students who enrolled in summer/fall 2020 may qualify for up to $700, which includes a $350 technology grant. Previous dual enrollment students who have since graduated from high school may also qualify to receive the full $700. Applications for CARES Act Funding are being accepted. Students should apply at this link: cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralAZCollege&layout_id=6. For questions about eligibility, please visit centralaz.edu/caresact or email DeanofStudents@centralaz.edu.

Each year, there are numerous scholarships that go unclaimed. CAC offers a variety of scholarship programs to recognize students for their academic performance as well as for participation in athletics and other activities. To receive a scholarship, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, be pursuing a degree or certificate, be enrolled and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen if applicable. A listing of scholarships can be viewed at centralaz.edu/finaid.

CAC staff are available to assist students virtually, via phone or online. The college’s virtual advising lobby is available 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, or an appointment with an advisor can be scheduled. Visit centralaz.edu/advising for assistance in registering for spring classes.

Editor’s note: Angela Askey is CAC’s executive director for public relations and marketing.