Textbooks, parking permits and classes are just a few of the things that any student attending college must pay for. While most students receive financial aid or pay for college on their own, there are other resources available to help relieve one of financial stress.

There is $500,000 being awarded in scholarships this year.

Students will receive an average of $1,000 this year, Kahea Kamahele, scholarship coordinator said.

She wants every student to take advantage of the opportunity.

“It’s free money that allows you to pay for textbooks, classes and other fees like parking.” Kamahele said.

Requirements to be eligible to apply are to have a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have completed six units of classes that receive a letter grade.

When applying, Kamahele says a letter of recommendation by a faculty member must be presented, and a personal essay and financial essay must be provided as well.

These scholarships became available the first week of November, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 29, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.

When applying for these scholarships which are done online through the ECC portal, Kamahele recommends using Google Chrome or Firefox because the Internet Explorer’s new security makes it almost impossible to open windows necessary to complete the application.

Katie Gleason, Executive Director of the ECC Foundation said applying for the type of scholarship online is easy to do and all students eligible should apply.

“We reach out to a broad range of students such as academic achievers, financial aid, and students who have a specific area of study,” Gleason said.

International students can also apply. These scholarships are available to all students, regardless of financial or residential status, Kamehele said.

Gleason said it is important to reach out to as many students as possible.

For more information on possible workshops or scholarship questions in general, call the scholarship office at 310- 660-6541, located in Room 109 in the Administration Building.