PITTSBURGH, FEB. 1, 2009 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana is inviting college-bound students and their families seeking information about the financial aid process and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a Financial Aid Seminar he is hosting.
The seminar will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, in Point Park University’s Lawrence Hall Ball Room. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and includes a Financial Aid overview, as well as a session where students can receive assistance completing the FAFSA.
“Completing the FAFSA can be a little overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants,” Fontana said. “I hope students will take advantage of this opportunity to learn a bit more about the financial aid process and to get assistance in filling out their applications ahead of time.”
The deadline for filing FAFSA is May 1, but Fontana encouraged students to apply as soon as possible to ensure all other financial aid deadlines are met.
“Getting a head start on financial aid applications helps reduce some of the stress and chaos high school seniors and their families often face throughout the spring,” Fontana said. “Waiting until the deadline only adds to that anxiety.”
According to Fontana, this deadline applies to all new applicants who plan to enroll in an undergraduate baccalaureate degree program, those in college transfer programs at two-year public or junior colleges, as well as all renewal applicants regardless of their educational program.
Fontana said students should register for the workshop on his website, www.senatorfontana.com, by Feb. 24. Students with questions can contact the Senator’s Brookline office at 412-344-2551.