Yes, there is still some generosity in California, but hurry up if you want to advantage of it. The two-month window has just opened for college-bound students to apply for next year's Cal Grants. These grants pay for public or private college tuition and supplies for Californians under age 26 who meet income and achievement guidelines.

Five years ago, when the state made college aid an entitlement for needy families, people assumed students would flock to the program. The number of grantees has increased steadily since then; more than 200,000 are expected to receive assistance next school year, in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $9,700, depending on tuition costs and expenses.

But the onerous federal form required to apply -- known as a "FAFSA" -- has proved a high hurdle for students whose parents may not speak much English and whose high schools have few guidance counselors to offer help. Students must also provide proof of their grade-point average, which must be at least 2.0 out of high school, or 2.4 if seeking to transfer to a four-year institution from a community college.

Until the state funded aggressive outreach efforts, many students didn't know about the aid available to them. Last month, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) returned $50 million in untapped grants to the state's general fund. A series of "Cash for College" workshops to be held around the state -- sponsored by local legislators and schools in conjunction with CSAC -- will provide application assistance to students and their families.

Look for tuition at the University of California, the California State University and the California Community Colleges to rise closer to parity with other states this year. But California's promise to low-income college hopefuls -- make good grades and we'll help you -- still stands. Students and their families must take advantage of the offer.

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For more information about Cal Grants and other financial aid, go to www.csac.ca.gov or www.calgrants.org.

Federal financial aid forms can be downloaded from www.fafsa.ed.gov. Times for "Case of College" workshops can be found at californiacollegegoalsunday.com