DEAR EDITOR:

As a student at LMC, I know firsthand how financial aid and scholarships can make or break a student’s ability to pursue higher education.

Community college is supposed to be the most affordable option, yet many students still struggle to cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, transportation, and basic living expenses. Without financial aid, many of us wouldn’t even have the chance to be here.

A lot of students at LMC are working part-time or even full-time jobs just to afford school. Some are supporting their families while trying to get an education.

It’s exhausting to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities, and financial stress only makes it harder.

While grants and scholarships help, many students either don’t know they exist or don’t apply because the process seems overwhelming.

The college needs to do more to promote awareness of available financial aid resources. While the Financial Aid Office does offer support, many students don’t realize what they qualify for until it’s too late.

Workshops, reminders, and one on one assistance should be more widely

available to help students navigate applications for FAFSA, the California College Promise Grant, and scholarships offered by the school and outside organizations.

Scholarship opportunities should be expanded and made more accessible.

Many scholarships have specific requirements that make it hard for students to qualify, and some are so competitive that students don’t bother applying.

LMC should consider offering more need-based scholarships that support students who may not have the highest GPA but are still working hard to succeed.

Financial aid shouldn’t be a barrier to education—it should be a bridge.

If we want to see more students graduate and move on to better opportunities, we need to make sure they gave the financial support to get there