<p> The idea won the 24-year-old Nevada woman a national contest and a $10,000 prize at a College Affordability Challenge in San Diego, where the goal was finding ways to simplify the financial aid process. <br /><br />Her idea uses demographic and personal data on Facebook to direct users to scholarships and aid that match their background and interests. <br /><br />The application, which could be launched by the end of the year, also would allow young people to share information with other users about sources of aid. <br /><br />“Kids feel discouraged, especially if they have no one guiding them,” said Valencia, who graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2009. <br /><br />Her parents did not go beyond high school and her father, an immigrant from Mexico, owns a taco shop in Las Vegas. When she wanted to go to college, her parents didn’t know how to help. <br /><br />“I made something that my kids could use someday,” she said. <br /><br />The challenge was developed by cable channel MTV and the College Board, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The prize was awarded on Saturday. <br /><br />Two-thirds of students say they find applying for financial aid difficult, and up to 2 million students a year who may be eligible do not apply because they are unaware what is out there, said MTV spokesman Jason Rzepka. <br /><br />“People have difficulty navigating the system. One way we can play a role is by making the process easier,” he said.</p>
<p> The idea won the 24-year-old Nevada woman a national contest and a $10,000 prize at a College Affordability Challenge in San Diego, where the goal was finding ways to simplify the financial aid process. <br /><br />Her idea uses demographic and personal data on Facebook to direct users to scholarships and aid that match their background and interests. <br /><br />The application, which could be launched by the end of the year, also would allow young people to share information with other users about sources of aid. <br /><br />“Kids feel discouraged, especially if they have no one guiding them,” said Valencia, who graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2009. <br /><br />Her parents did not go beyond high school and her father, an immigrant from Mexico, owns a taco shop in Las Vegas. When she wanted to go to college, her parents didn’t know how to help. <br /><br />“I made something that my kids could use someday,” she said. <br /><br />The challenge was developed by cable channel MTV and the College Board, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The prize was awarded on Saturday. <br /><br />Two-thirds of students say they find applying for financial aid difficult, and up to 2 million students a year who may be eligible do not apply because they are unaware what is out there, said MTV spokesman Jason Rzepka. <br /><br />“People have difficulty navigating the system. One way we can play a role is by making the process easier,” he said.</p>