By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — It is financial aid season, and anyone pursuing higher education in 2010 is invited to attend College Goal Sunday Feb. 14 at the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School.
College Goal Sunday is a free statewide program that helps students, as well as parents, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA is required to apply for all federal aid programs, many state programs and even local grant programs that can help pay for higher education.
The Ashtabula County Continued Education Support Services (ACCESS) is hosting College Goal at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at ACJVS, Building B, 1565 Route 167, Jefferson Township.
“It is our mission to increase the number of Ashtabula County students and adults who will reach their higher education goals … ,” said Irene Skleres, ACCESS program director. “It is our job to create awareness and assist in preparing for advanced education, and discovering the financial resources necessary to gain a post secondary education,” she said.
College Goal Sunday will have advisers, computers, printers on hand and give attendees plenty of opportunity to ask questions and obtain one-on-one assistance if needed, Skleres said.
“In our county, we have about a 50 percent average of first-generation college students, and because finding money available for college may be intimidating, we are here,” said Kimberly Landis, ACCESS executive director. “Kids now need to realize that attending college or technical school is no longer a choice but something they need to do.”
Higher education also includes technical schools.
Individuals attending College Goal Sunday will be able to complete the FAFSA during the session and will need to bring a copy of the student’s IRS Form 1040 (tax return) and W-2 forms, copies of their parents’ Form 1040 and W2 s, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and any other benefit and income information.
“The time to get your FAFSA form completed is now. Many colleges and universities have deadlines in February and March,” Skleres said. “Plus, there is a lot of competition among everyone getting ready for college for the grant money available, so it is important to make sure you get your FAFSA form completed as early as possible.”
Advance registration for the event is recommended and can be done online (www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org) or by calling ACCESS (440-576-3125).
