Hello Everyone! My name is Johnny Castillo.

These past few days have been very challenging to say the least. Not only did my entire family and I contract Covid, but I was also struck with the news that I would have to pay for my tuition costs out of pocket for my last undergrad year at school– which amounts to a total of $7,000.

On Friday, July 8th, 2022, I was told by the Financial Aid Department at my school (California State University, Long Beach) that I would no longer receive aid to cover my tuition. I immediately contacted the California Student Aid Commission to get clarification on the news, but they too told me that I was no longer eligible for grants. The CSAC representative followed by explaining that upon transferring from my community college, I was only awarded 2 more years' worth of Grants despite transferring into a 5-year degree program. I asked about an extension for 5-year programs, but was told that CSULB Drawing and Painting was not on the list of eligible majors.

In the past, the state grants awarded to me through the Dream Act covered all of my tuition costs plus school supply expenses. This helped me out immensely, since I can only work part-time due to the obligations that come with being a full-time student. Not only is my schedule to work limited during school, but as a first-generation immigrant and Dreamer, my financial opportunities are also very limited.

Thankfully, last semester I was awarded a scholarship by the School Of Art at Long Beach for the amount of $2,900. The Orval Dillingham Scholarship, which will help me out immensely, will only cover a fraction of the cost. The total amount that I will need to pay for School is $6,884. I am now trying to find ways to come up with the remaining amount of $3,984.

Thank you so much for taking your time and for your help.