Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2007-11-09, Gov. Easley Encourages High School Seniors To Apply For College During 2007 College Application Week: Students Can Apply Online For Free Between Nov. 12-16

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron Date: November 9, 2007 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ENCOURAGES HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TO APPLY FOR COLLEGE DURING 2007 COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK Students Can Apply Online For Free Between Nov. 12-16 RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today encouraged high school seniors to take advantage of the opportunity to apply to college for free during North Carolina College Application Week, November 12-16. To promote education beyond high school, many colleges and universities in the state are waiving the application fees during the week. “In today’s global economy, a college education is critical to gaining access to the best opportunities,” Easley said. “I want to make sure North Carolina is doing everything it can to help students earn a college degree and applying to college is the first step.” College Application Week is sponsored by the College Foundation of North Carolina and the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. More than 100 high schools in the state are participating in the program this year, up from 15 schools in 2006. Students at the schools have been provided with a Student Handbook that includes a checklist of everything a senior needs for the college application process. The first step is logging onto the College Foundation’s website, www.CFNC.org, and creating a “My CFNC Account.” Students can then research colleges and universities and determine which schools are best for them, fill out applications online and learn more about college financial aid. Easley’s education agenda stresses giving every North Carolina student the opportunity for an affordable college education. The governor’s Learn and Earn early college high schools, where students can get a high school diploma along with either an associate’s degree or two years of college credit in no more than five years of study, are spreading throughout the state. There will be 70 by the fall of 2008. For students who cannot attend one of the Learn and Earn schools, there now is Learn and Earn Online, that brings college courses to high school students via the Internet, at no cost to the students. Easley is also breaking down the financial barriers to college through the newly enacted EARN grants that put a debt- free education within the grasp of every North Carolinian. All students with a family income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to receive grants up to S8,000 Governor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166