UWF to host state-based financial aid event
The University of West Florida Financial Aid Office will host College Goal Sunday, a one-day event designed to help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FASFA, onSaturday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sail Lab in Building 79 on the Pensacola campus. This is the first year that UWF has been invited to host a College Goal Sunday event.
College Goal Sunday is a state-based volunteer program that provides free information and assistance to students and families who are applying for financial aid for postsecondary education. The program brings together financial aid professionals from colleges and universities, along with other volunteers, to help college-bound students and their families complete the FAFSA.
“Lack of financial resources is one of the primary reasons students are unable to attend college,” said Shana Gore, director of UWF Financial Aid. “Through understanding of financial aid opportunities and completion of the FAFSA, we hope to make higher education an attainable goal for anyone interested in pursuing higher education.”
This event is designed for community outreach and will bring visitors and potential students to the campus. Having University financial aid staff on site to assist parents and students with completing the FAFSA, will help to reduce FAFSA filing errors and help to eliminate barriers some parents and students face when attempting to apply for financial aid.
While specifically targeting low-income and minority students, the program is available to all high school students and current students who are in need of financial aid.
The FAFSA is required for any student seeking federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans, to help pay for tuition, fees, room and board and other college expenses, at virtually all of the nation’s colleges and universities. Completing the FAFSA can be challenging, but students and parents can get in-person assistance at a College Goal Sundayevent.
The College Goal Sunday program initially was created by the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association with funding from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Today, with support from United Student Aid Funds, Inc. and other sponsors, 34 states offer FAFSA counseling through College Goal Sunday events and other resources.
For additional information about College Goal Sunday, visit http://www.
