UNCW and CFCC to Assist High School Students with the Financial Aid Maze, Feb. 13 and 27
2/3/2010 8:13:23 AM
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In today's economy, high school students and their families need access to information and assistance to plan funding in advance for their college experience. Because the process of applying for financial aid can be confusing, the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College are teaming up to offer workshops aimed at helping students move smoothly through the "college maze."
Two upcoming events Feb. 13 and 27 will offer valuable insight into the financial aid process and access to one-on-one consultations with financial aid counselors free of charge to families.
FAFSA Day
High school seniors expecting to attend a U.S. college in the fall of 2010 and their families can receive assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA Day, which will be held on the first floor of UNCW's Bear Hall Saturday, Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The UNCW event is one of more than 120 FAFSA Day events across the state sponsored by the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC). Students may register for FAFSA Day by calling 1-866.866.CFNC, or by signing up at www.CFNC.org/fafsaday. It is not necessary that the student plan to attend the college hosting the event.
Completing the FAFSA form is a requirement to be considered for all federal and most state financial aid, including scholarships and grants. Participants should bring the student's and parents' federal 1040 tax forms for 2009. Though not required, it is helpful for each student and a parent to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education Web site, http://www.pin.ed.gov/, prior to FAFSA Day.
Managing the College Maze
College Maze, a set of workshops designed to educate students in grades eight through 12 and their families about financial aid, will be held on the first floor of UNCW's Bear Hall Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Workshops topics include applying for student loans, federal grants and work study, along with information about N.C. state grants. Instructors will address the pros and cons of attending a four-year institution or a community college, the financial impact of living at home as opposed to in on-campus housing or off-campus away from home, and how to seek scholarships. A representative from UNCW's Admissions office will also be available to answer questions about applying to college.
A CFNC representative will be available to assist students with setting up a CFNC account in preparation for the college application process. Participants will also learn about the FAFSA and the role it plays in obtaining federal student and parent loans and grants. Numerous financial aid professionals will be on hand to instruct families and assist with personal questions or concerns.
General questions about these programs may be directed to Judy Carter, UNCW financial aid counselor, 910.962.3177 or carterj@uncw.edu.
Media are invited to publicize this event to the public, and to attend both workshop days and interview participants upon request.
Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu
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