As the time for students to begin preparing for applying for colleges and submitting financial aid forms is here, Assemblyman David G. McDonough is announcing the availability of information at his District Office, to help students and their families pay for college.

New York State's College Aid Awareness Network (CAANA), is a series of year-long special projects and events designed to help students and families pay for college. This is a cooperative project of the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAA) and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

Information that is available by contacting Assemblyman McDonough's office:

• List of statewide activities and NYSFAAA regional representatives map - call your regional contact to find out about events in your area, or check the list on www.nysfaa.org.

• "How to Apply" fact sheet

• 2004-05 Student Financial Aid wall chart

• "Get the Facts About Financial Aid" flier for students-with information about the "Ask the Expert" online campaign from January 5, 2004-February 27, 2004.

"Attending college and receiving a higher education is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child, and by providing this information, I am hopeful that more New York State students will be able to achieve this dream," said McDonough. Anyone interested in obtaining this information can contact Assemblyman McDonough's office by calling 731-8830, by writing to 3000 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY, 11756, or by e-mail at mcdond@assembly.state.ny.us.