College tuition no longer needs to make or break a student's dreams of attaining higher education.
College Goal Sunday Washington aims to reduce the barriers students face in paying for college. This year’s fourth annual events will take place at more than 60 different locations around Washington state beginning this month.
There are two such events taking place in nearby Auburn:
- Auburn Mountainview High School, located at 28900 124th Ave S.E. on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Click here to RSVP
- Auburn High School, located at 800 4th Street N.E. on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here to RSVP
College Goal Sunday Washington is a free, on-site program that helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education. The FAFSA is the single-most important application for financial aid.
Events take place at high schools, college campuses, and public libraries at various times and locations. For a full listing of times and statewide locations, visit www.collegegoalsundaywa.org.
Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA), statewide coordinators of the national College Goal Sunday program, is partnering with the Washington Student Achievement Council, College Success Foundation, the Roadmap Project, Washington College Access Network (WCAN), University of Washington Dream Project, United Way of King County, College Spark Washington, and school districts throughout the state to ensure that the class of 2013 has access to the resources and support needed to complete the financial aid process.
“As college costs rise, it has become even more important to apply for financial aid,” said Christine McCabe, Executive Director for College Spark Washington, a private foundation that funds programs across Washington sate to help low-income students become college-ready and earn their degrees. “Students should apply for aid through FAFSA, scholarships, and grants to maximize their college funds.”
Nearly 63 percent of students rely on financial aid to make attending college a reality. However, the paperwork can be confusing. At College Goal Sunday Washington students and parents can talk to experts and get in-depth help filling out the FAFSA. Click here for a list of what to bring. In one day, they will learn how to get money for college. Students and families can:
- Talk with expert financial aid administrators
- Complete and submit the FAFSA
- Learn about filing deadlines and other important information regarding paying for college
- Connect with resources for undocumented students and other non-FAFSA filers
- Enter to win a $250-$500 scholarship
Whether students plan to attend a four-year college, community college, vocational or technical school, College Goal Sunday Washington can help them find the financial resources to make it happen. For more information visit www.collegegoalsundaywa.org or call 888-758-2253.
*Editor's Note: Information provided by College Spark Washington. This program funds programs across Washington state that help low-income students become college-ready and earn their degrees. Grantees include community-based organizations, K-12 schools and districts, community and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, educational nonprofits, and public agencies. College Spark began supporting access to higher education in 1978 by managing student loan programs. In 2004, the loan operations were sold and an endowment created supporting its grant-making mission.
