By Sharon Murra-Kapon/south news editor
College-bound and prospective students can meet with financial aid experts on TCC South Campus 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.
College Goal Sunday Texas, a national free workshop program assists anyone interested in learning how to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, scholarships, grants and loans. Additionally, it will provide information about other ways the federal and state government can help pay for college.
Margaret Allen-Romero, coordinator of the Texas program and manager of special projects at Texas A&M’s department of student financial aid, said each year the federal government awards more than $80 billion in financial aid for higher education.
“ According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas received $4 billion in aid last year,” she said in a press release. “With a strong College Sunday turnout this year, we hope to remove financial need as a barrier to higher education.”
Attendees are asked to bring copies of their 2006 income tax returns to facilitate the process of the application.
An additional incentive of $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded to prospective, high school and college students during the event. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college, university or technical school in the United States.
Although no one is not required to register for the event, “those who pre-register online will be eligible for a second scholarship drawing,” Dawn Brown, director of financial aid services on NE Campus, said.
Undocumented Texas residents who have graduated from a public Texas high school will also receive assistance in completing financial aid forms in accordance with Senate Bill 1528. More information about this bill is found at http://www.uhjifm.org/HB1403.html.
David Ximenez, TCC District financial aid director, said he is excited about TCC’s being a College Goal Sunday host site.
“ Hosting the event is a natural extension of our role at TCC, and we cherish the opportunity to reach out to the community we serve,” he said. “ I encourage all college-bound students to attend this very worthwhile event.”
Although the event lasts only two hours, TCC is prepared with three sites on campus and the mobile go center for students to complete online forms.
Language will not be a barrier. A translating service will be available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Refreshments will be served.
Students may pre-register online, find more information about locations and learn how to be prepared for the event at http://financialaid.tamus.edu/cgs.
