Help with financial aid

Now is the time for students to apply for college financial aid for the upcoming school year. Two items recently have come to my attention concerning the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  One, for 21st Century Scholars you MUST file your FAFSA every year beginning the end of your high school senior year, even if you are taking a semester or year off before entering college.  If you do not file your FAFSA every year from your senior year forward you will be disqualified for ANY 21st Century Scholarship money, your scholarship will be terminated. 
Secondly, we have heard that some of our local students are receiving mailings that offer to help families file their applications for a fee. Students need to know that the FAFSA is a government application required of every student seeking financial aid, and it is free!
You can apply online at www.fafsa.gov. The deadline is March 10 in order to qualify for financial aid for Fall 2013 through Spring 2014.  
If students or parents need help filing the FAFSA, the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association is hosting College Goal Sunday on February 24, at the John Jay Center. This is an opportunity for all college students in our community to receive help filling out the FAFSA form with assistance.  Computer labs will be open and financial aid professionals from Ivy Tech and Indiana Wesleyan will be on hand to help you complete forms.
The event, which is free of charge, starts at 2 p.m. in the computer lab at the John Jay Center. More information can be found at www.collegegoalsunday.org or johnjaycenter.com.
Debbie Howell, student services advisor, John Jay Center[[In-content Ad]]