College Goal event helps students overcome financial barriers to higher education

Daytona State offers the only local FAFSA-assistance day, March 1

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2014) – Students, both returning and first-time-in-college, will find a clear path to applying for federal tuition assistance during a free statewide event known as College Goal (Saturday) Sunday or CGS!Florida, part of the national CGS project.

On Saturday, March 1, Daytona State College will host the only local CGS event, from noon to 4 p.m. on the Daytona Beach and DeLand campuses. Financial aid specialists will help college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); students will receive step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting their FAFSA. The FAFSA helps students access billions in federal funds available for higher education. In addition, information about other financial aid resources such as state government, grants, scholarships and loans will be available.

“Some students fall through the cracks in the financial aid process because they’re intimidated by the forms and have not been exposed to the financial aid process,” said Buck James, vice president for enrollment and student development. “The College Goal project helps break the barriers that prevent students from accessing funds to pursue higher education.”

Filling out the FAFSA does not obligate the student to anything; it opens access to federal tuition support, whether students are pursuing a one-year certificate, two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor’s degree at colleges or universities around the region and the country.

All are welcome to stop by the Daytona Beach Campus, Baker Academic Support Center/computer lab, at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., or the DeLand Campus, Business Hall, room 115, at 1155 County Road 4139, on Saturday, March 1, from noon to 4 p.m.

Students who attend may also be eligible for a drawing for a $250 scholarship provided by CGS!Florida.

Supporters of the CGS!Florida program include: Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA), Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA/FLDOE) and USA Funds.

Important Message for Students and Families from CGS!Florida:

• Finances should NOT be a barrier to attending college.
• The FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step to applying for college financial aid. It should be completed now if you plan to attend college in 2014-15.
• Use the proper website to complete the FAFSA: www.fafsa.gov – do not use other sites that charge money – the application is FREE.
• The U.S. Department of Education offers free assistance at 1-800-4-FED-AID and www.fafsa.gov.

For more information, visit www.DaytonaState.edu/FinAid or call (386) 506-3015.

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http://www.daytonastate.edu/marketing/pr/college_goal_sunday.html