Kent-area volunteers needed to help students, families apply for college aid

The Kent School District hosts a series of College Goal events in January.

Volunteers are needed to help students with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submission, enabling low-income families access to federal and state grant funding for college.

Many families are eligible for college funding of up to $13,000.

Completing FAFSA timely is of the utmost importance, since funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and college-bound scholarship candidates are required to submit the process by Jan. 31.

With nearly half of the district students financially eligible for free and reduced lunch, affording college is one of our biggest barriers, and federal and state grants often make the difference whether students make it to college.

FAFSA volunteers assist with check-in, greet attendees, help students and families get started on the computer. FAFSA helpers have some experience with FAFSA, willing to help students and families with the FAFSA online process.

SCHEDULED SESSIONS:

• Kentridge High School, 12430 SE 208th St., 2:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 8

• Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington, 3-7 p.m. Jan. 10

• Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., 4-8 p.m. Jan. 15

• Birch Creek Community Center, 12910 SE 273rd St., 3:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 31

Those interested in helping at K-M, please contact Debbie Theisen, campus manager, at 253-373-7416 or Debbie.theisen@kent.k12.wa.us. Elsewhere, please contact Randy Nuñez

College and Career Family/Community liaison, Kent School District, at 253-373-7582.

LINKS:

College Goal Sunday: www.collegegoalsundayusa.org

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