Hundreds of volunteers will help college-bound Michigan students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA during statewide College Goal Sunday events on Sunday, February 14, 2010.
College Goal Sunday is a collaborative effort of the Michigan Guaranty Agency, the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, and EduGuide. The program was created to increase the number of students who continue education beyond high school and earn post-secondary degrees. The FAFSA is required of any student seeking financial aid including grants, loans, and many scholarships. Last year, 3,373 students received assistance at College Goal Sunday events.
"We want to make sure students and their parents are aware of this important event," said Bryan Taylor, President of EduGuide. "Students must complete and file a FAFSA in order to secure financial aid and they should file by the March 1st priority date to ensure eligibility for federal and state programs." Statistics show that students who complete and submit FAFSA forms are more likely to go on to college.
On College Goal Sunday, financial aid experts will be available to guide students and their parents through each step of completing and filing the FAFSA. Students under 23 years of age are encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian. Parents and students should bring their completed 2009 Federal tax return (1040) if possible, or their W-2 and 1099 forms.
Dozens of sites across Michigan will be hosting College Goal Sunday on February 14, 2010. For a complete list of locations and additional information, visit www.micollegegoal.org.
Valuable prizes will be awarded during College Goal Sunday events, including a $1,000 scholarship, three $500 scholarships, an iPod Nano, and a Dell laptop computer.
Additional support for College Goal Sunday was provided by the C.S. Mott Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and the DTE Energy Foundation.
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