CRANSTON, RI In an effort to help more Rhode Island students and parents prepare for the cost of college and learn about financial aid opportunities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), in conjunction with Rhode Island General Treasurer Paul Tavares and Rhode Island Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RIASFA), will host a financial aid workshop on Thursday, November 30th at 6:30 PM at Cranston High School West. The workshop is open to all Rhode Island high school students and their families.This is the 16th consecutive year that Senator Reed has held this annual financial aid workshop and over the years thousands of Rhode Island families have learned important tips about how to make college more affordable. A panel of experts will field questions and offer advice on the types of federal and state student financial aid options available to students, including grants, loans, and tax credits and deductions. The officials will also give guidance on the paperwork necessary to apply for financial aid. WHAT: Senator Reeds 16th annual financial aid workshop to help students and parents learn more about how to prepare for the costs of college. WHO: U.S. Senator Jack Reed;Rhode Island General Treasurer Paul Tavares; Mary Ann Welch, Director of Program Administration for the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority (RIHEAA); Noel Simpson, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA); Amy Stover, Johnson & Wales University College, representing the College Planning Center of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RIASFAA); Patricia Thompson, Piccerelli Gilstein & Company LLP, representing the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants; and Steve Knowlton, Principal of Cranston High School West WHEN: Thursday, November 30, 2006 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PMWHERE: Cranston High School West Cafeteria - 80 Metropolitan Avenue - Cranston, RI