Local college-bound students and their parents are invited to attend one of three free February workshops to learn how to get into one’s dream college, receive financial aid regardless of income and pay for college without going broke.

Santa Clarita Valley high school sophomores, juniors and seniors and their families are invited to the workshops hosted by College Planning Experts, which was founded locally more than a decade ago by Brian Safdari to help students and their families develop strategies and solve the mysteries of college admissions and funding.

The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2016/17 academic year is $49,320 for private schools, $24,610 for out-of-state residents attending public colleges and $9,650 for state residents at public colleges, according to nonprofit organization The College Board. On top of that, room and board can average between $10,440 to $11,890 per year.

“These workshops are an excellent place for families to start navigating the college admissions and financial aid process,” said Safdari, CEO of College Planning Experts (www.CollegePlanningExperts.com). “We’ll be sharing valuable tips and information, like the seven deadly financial aid mistakes that families make, and strategies to receive free financial aid even if your household income is over $150,000.”

All three February workshops are to be held at the College of the Canyons University Center, located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd. in Valencia:

6:15-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, Room 313

6:15-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, Room 313

10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 11, Room 205

Safdari, America’s leading college admissions and funding expert, said the workshops will reveal strategies for the higher education system that are unknown to most counselors, school administrators and parents.

“We’re passionate about helping families find the right college and making it affordable,” he said, “and for many families these workshops will be the first major step on that path.”

Only 25 spots are available at each workshop, so interested families are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible. To reserve a spot, families can visit www.CollegePlanningExperts.com/free-workshops or call (800) 897-9774.

Safdari said the first 17 families to respond will receive a free package of tricks and secrets to save thousands of dollars on college planning.