CollegeBuys.org is currently offering discounts on popular software and technology to California community college students, faculty and staff.

“You need to be affiliated with one of the colleges in their consortium,” said Biology Professor Durwynne Hseih, “but that’s all of the CA community colleges, and many others even in other states.”

Created in 1998, the non-profit organization provides assistance on many different levels. Between paying for classes, textbooks and school supplies, the expense of going to college starts to add up. So saving on electronics such as cameras, printers, tablets and speakers can help students keep some cash in their pockets.

Most courses offered at LMC cost $46 per unit, so the average full-time student ends up paying $432 just for tuition. This price may not be too high, but it can be overwhelming for some students who also may need to add the expenses of specific required materials for each class.

According to information on their website, the goal of the company is to, “…benefit, support and enhance the California Community College system,” and “to bring much-needed support to our colleges and to provide even greater opportunities for our students and our state.”

Although child development major Jenny Guerrero says she’s never heard of the site, her opinion is that the site “could definitely benefit the students because it’s cheaper and they can get the materials that they need more easily.”

Professors can also look for deals and discounts on the latest software brands.

“I have obtained Microsoft and Adobe software through them and have been satisfied with the results,” said Hsieh. “The purchasing process is a bit of a pain. You need to send them proof of your college affiliation as a faculty member or student before they will release your order.”

Professor Hseih explains the company itself doesn’t do the selling, instead it partners with companies to offer products. Microsoft and Toshiba are among the companies who work with the site.

Journalism major Tamara Seward and Hseih had minor issues with Microsoft updates but Hsieh said it “was a problem with Microsoft, really, and not the CollegeBuys web site.”

CollegeBuys works with other companies, including the 112 California Community Colleges, California State University, Association of Chief Business Officials and Foster & Kinship Care Education.

When entering the CollegeBuys site, users have several options to choose from. For example, if you are a student click the appropriate box and another page will open asking for the name of the college you attend. There is also a section for giving and donating money that goes to assisting colleges and improving the lives of students.

Even though the economy appears to be on the upswing, most college students still need as much help as they can get.

“The products themselves are the full versions,” said Hsieh, adding that its not as easy as buying full priced versions from the manufacturers, “but for a small investment of time you can save a great deal of money. I will definitely purchase through them again.”

For more information visit CollegeBuys.org, email [email protected] or customer support is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (866) 325-3222.