It’s an opportunity for students to apply for financial aid for college or other post secondary education.
Frederick, Md (KM) . Most students attending college are usually receiving some form of financial aid, and many high schools seniors are lining up for their assistance before they begin classes in the fall.
To help with that, the Community Foundation of Frederick County, along with FAFSA Coalition, will be holding a “Finish” to help the students apply for financial aid. Foundation President Betsy Day says students attending these “Finish” events will learn how to secure assistance by filling out FAFSA forms. “Students are set up with a mentor or a volunteer coach, as well as with their family, in front of a computer. And we show them how to use their log-in to complete the FAFSA. And also to complete the questions in a way that’s accurate, but also shows their financial needs,” she says.
FAFSA stands for Free Application For Federal Student Aid.
“The FAFSA asks financial information that you would normally find on a tax return,” says Day. “Or it helps to determine what is the family situation that means that your family has so many expenses that you cannot afford college, or you need a scholarship to help you afford college.”
Day also says this application process is not just open to high school seniors planning to attend college, but those who want to go to a trade school; or a non-traditional student who has worked most of his or her life, and feels it’s time to go to college.
She also notes that the FAFSA form is not only used by the federal government, but private entities which provide scholarships. Any information on the form will determine whether a student receives financial aid, and how much. ” The quality of the information you put on the FAFSA is as important as the quantity,”: says Day.
The FAFSA “Finish” events are taking place on:
*January 30th, 2018 at Frederick High School
*February 6th, 2018 at Governor Thomas Johnson High School
*February 7th, 2018 at Catoctin High School
*February 8th, 2018 at Brunswick High School
*February 12th, 2018 at Walkersville High School.
Students and their families can attend either one of these “Finish” events no matter where they attend high school. The hours for each are from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.
More information on FAFSA and the “Finish” events can be found at www.ScholarshipsFrederickCounty.com.
By Kevin McManus