The myriad of paperwork involved in sending a student to college can be overwhelming for the unprepared. A statewide program, College Goal Sunday, addresses one aspect of the situation — completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form.
“Most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools require students seeking financial aid to complete the FAFSA,” said Sharon Sweeney, Purdue Calumet director of student financial services. “During College Goal Sunday, college-bound students, including 21st Century Scholars, and their parents receive expert assistance correctly completing the FAFSA.”
Purdue University Calumet recently offered two rooms in its library to accommodate college-bound students and their parents who want to be considered for federal and state-provided financial assistance.
Graduate student Elizabeth Martin volunteered for the session in the PUC library.
“I remember when I was applying for college,” she said. “I didn’t have much guidance or information. A session like this would have been great. It takes away some of the stress and confusion when sending in the FAFSA.”
Parents Maria and Lucio Andrade of Hammond sat in the session with their daughter Bertha Andrade, who is enrolling in Purdue and was one of the first students to sign up for the College Goal Sunday session
“If you don’t fill out the FAFSA, you may miss out on some opportunities,” she said. “I need to know about everything that’s available.”
PUC has been offering College Goal Sunday for about 15 years, according to the school’s financial aid director Tanika House, who supervised 18 volunteers during the recent session.
“It has continued in popularity possibly because families are usually together on Sundays anyway,” she said. “Sometimes the siblings come too.”
More than 100 students signed up for FAFSA assistance last year, and halfway through this year’s session it looked like that number would double, House added.
Valentine Rios of Hammond will be graduating from Morton High School this year and has been researching college information. His mother Angeline Mendieta came with him to College Goal Sunday after Valentine’s school counselor suggested it would be beneficial for the pair to attend.
“This event is eye-opening,” Mendieta said. “It’s great knowing that I can have financial help.”
Jamanika Chillis of Hammond agreed.
She was assisting her son Jeremiah, a senior at Munster High School, with the FAFSA form.
“I’m happy to know the financial aspect of sending your child to college is being addressed,” she said. “It’s great to be informed, and can take off some of the stress you’re feeling.”
To be considered for most scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other financial awards, a completed FAFSA must be filed and received by the federal processor by March 10.
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More information about College Goal Sunday is at www.collegegoalsunday.org or 800-992-2076.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.