A primary interest of Future Ready Collier is helping all young people graduate from high school with a plan for their future. Whatever your expectations or hopes, it’s smart to be sure you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early in your senior year as possible. Filling out the FAFSA gives you the greatest flexibility in getting and using financial aid and scholarships for any sort of post-high school education and training. Read more to register for free virtual FAFSA information sessions held in November and December.
FAFSA and FSA ID
FAFSA applications open every year on October 1. This is for all high school seniors across the country. The application is online and accessible here. However, the first step, before you can complete a FAFSA, is to apply for and receive your assigned Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password. If this feels complicated, don’t worry! This free online video tutorial, created by Champions For Learning, helps walk you through that process. An important tip: Parents as well as students need to get an FSA ID. Once you have that piece complete, you can go ahead and start the FAFSA. Good news! There’s a video for that, too.
Collier County Public Schools maintain handy information about FAFSA and financial aid for your review and use. Be sure to check their website regularly as they may add and update resources. On their site, you’ll find tips for completing the FSA ID in English, Spanish, and Creole, and a good amount of other documents, videos, and tips for students and families.
Even though the application opens on October 1, it’s best to do it as soon as possible and not wait until later in the school year. The majority of financial aid and scholarship providers use this information to determine eligibility. This can include merit and athletic scholarships, as well as need-based support. Even if you don’t know yet what your plans are, it’s nice to know you have this completed and ready to use if you decide to!
Register for FAFSA Information Sessions
Mark your calendars for a few upcoming, free, online information sessions open to the public. On November 12, 6-7:30pm, learn and ask questions about FAFSA registration. For the November 12 session, register by clicking here. Again, on November 24, 6-7:30pm, ask your questions about FAFSA registration, and sign up for that date by clicking here. Then on December 9, 12-1pm, there is a “lunch and learn” with FAFSA information. To join that group, click here. Each of these is held through Zoom and there is no charge, but advance registration is requested.
Stay tuned as Future Ready Collier shares more information soon about financial aid availability and applications!
Prepared by Caroline Ridgway of C1B1 Communications.