Indiana Students To Get Free FAFSA fFling Help At College Goal Sunday
EVANSVILLE – Financial aid professionals from throughout the area will be volunteering to help college-bound students and their families open the door to financial aid during College Goal Sunday. The event is set for1 p.m. (CST)), Sunday, Oct. 25.
“The event ISFAA is offering on Oct. 25 will be the first completely virtual College Goal Sunday,†said Bill Wozniak, co-chair of College Goal Sunday. “We hope all Hoosiers who have not filed already, take advantage of College Goal Sunday, file the FAFSA, and get one step closer to fulfilling their educational goals.â€
Volunteers will answer families’ individual questions as needed. To attend College Goal Sunday, simply go to CollegeGoalSunday.org on October 25, and click the link displayed on that page to enter the virtual event. For the best filing experience, working from a computer/laptop during the event is highly recommended.
If an individual needs access to a WIFI connection, there are mobile hotspots located on the glass windows over the parking places near Door J at the Evansville campus, 3501 N. First Avenue.
The free program assists Indiana students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), no matter what college they choose to attend. The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA MUST be filed by April 15 to be eligible for Indiana financial aid. College Goal Sunday is so important since completing this required form correctly and by the deadline is sometimes perceived to be complicated and time-consuming. In less than one afternoon during College Goal Sunday, students and their families can get free help and file the form.
Now in its 32nd year, College Goal Sunday has helped more than 94,000 Indiana students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time. College Goal Sunday is a charitable program of the Indiana Student Financial Aid Association (ISFAA).
What students should have available
Students should attend College Goal Sunday virtually with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parents’ should have available completed 2019 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2019 income and benefits information. Students who worked last year should bring their income information as well. Students, 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2019 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2019 income and benefits information. Students and parents are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at studentaid.gov before logging in to the event.
Attendees may win educational prizes
Students may also win one of five $1,000 scholarships. Students who attend College Goal Sunday and submit a completed evaluation form will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. The winners will be notified in April, and prizes will be sent directly to the higher education institution selected by those students.
 21st Century Scholars benefit
21st Century Scholars are income-eligible students who sign a contract in the seventh or eighth grade promising they will graduate from high school, meet grade point requirements, fulfill a pledge of good citizenship, and apply for college financial aid. Upon high school graduation, Scholars who have fulfilled the commitment receive state funds to help cover their college tuition and fees for eight semesters at eligible Indiana colleges. To fulfill their pledge, scholars must submit a completed FAFSA form on time. College Goal Sunday can help.
Program is a national model
College Goal Sunday originated right here in Indiana and is now a national model. Following Indiana’s example, College Goal Sunday events organized by more than 34 states have opened doors to higher education for hundreds of thousands of students all over the country.
For more information about College Goal Sunday visit CollegeGoalSunday.org.Â
