Learn the secrets of financial aid
Step one in securing loans and grants for college: Filling out the application for federal student aid, the FAFSA.
For those who feel overwhelmed by the application or who simply want help making sure the form is filled out correctly, Columbia Falls High School, with help from Flathead Valley Community College, is hosting a financial aid application workshop.
The workshop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 in the high school writing lab. Signs will direct participants from the main doors of the high school.
High school counselors and members of the community college’s financial aid office will help high school seniors and their parents fill out the FAFSA online. The FAFSA will ensure students are considered for all forms of federal financial assistance for college.
FVCC financial aid director Cindy Kiefer and assistant Danelle Whitten will relay assistance and advice about submitting FAFSAs to the U.S. Department of Education, the next step in the financial aid process. Most applicants can finish the form within an hour, Kiefer said.
“This is a great opportunity for parents and students to get sound advice and get their financial aid forms completed,” high school counselor Doug Cordier said. “Too often I see people put this off until time runs short or they miss a deadline.
“The process can be a little intimidating for first-timers, but with Cindy and Danelle here to assist, I’m confident we can tackle any question or situation that people will bring to us.”
To complete and submit applications, parents and students need to bring family financial information, including Social Security numbers (for parents and students) and current or year-old tax returns, or current W-2 forms, or end-of-year pay stubs.
Bring any child support documentation and additional income information as well.
All information reviewed by workshop counselors and financial aid officers will be kept private and will not be used for any purpose beyond helping students and families apply for financial aid.
For further information, call Cordier at 892-6500 extension 230 or Kiefer at 756-3843.