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Program helps college-bound students, parents pursue financial aid
January 26, 2010
AUGUSTA — Bangor Democratic State Reps. James Martin, Sara Stevens, Steven Butterfield and Adam Goode reminded all students planning to attend college in the fall of the importance of filing the 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form soon, and also invited all Maine students and families to attend College Goal Sunday on Jan. 31, for assistance in completing the FAFSA.
“Filling out the FAFSA is the key to college aid,” said Martin. “For too many students the cost of higher education is a serious barrier. Programs like this one show students how they can afford this very important investment in their future.”
College Goal Sunday is a statewide volunteer program coordinated by the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) that provides free information and assistance to students and families who are applying for financial aid for post secondary education. All families with students planning to attend college are welcome to participate. College Goal Sunday brings together financial aid professionals from Maine colleges and universities, along with other volunteers, to help college-bound students and their families complete the FAFSA form.
The event will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31. The workshop scheduled for Bangor and the surrounding area will be held at Husson University in the Libra Lecture Room, O’Donnell Commons. Other workshops will be held throughout the state that day.
Financial aid professionals will provide coaching staff to walk individuals through the application line-by-line and to answer questions regarding state and federal financial aid programs. Attendees should bring copies of their most recent tax information.
The FAFSA is the gateway to all state and federal college financing, and individuals hoping to qualify for financial aid must complete and submit the form. Deadlines for filing the form vary from school to school, and students should carefully consult the deadlines of every school to which they are applying. FAME encourages all students to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Online forms and more information are available at FAFSA.
For directions, to find a location nearest you, or to learn more about the program, please visit www.collegegoalsundaymaine.com. Interested individuals also may contact their guidance counselor or contact FAME at 1-800-228-3734 or by e-mail at FAME.
Contact:
Rep. James Martin, 942-7681
Rep. Sara Stevens, 942-8900
Rep. Steven Butterfield, 242-7270
Rep. Adam Goode, 991-7000
Jodi Quintero, communications director, 287-1433