Vermont Student Assistance Corp. will offer free workshops at local high schools in October to help families learn how to manage college costs and to fill out financial aid forms.
Each year, Vermont families leave millions of dollars of financial aid on the table by failing to file either the federal or state financial aid forms - $4.5 million last year, according to NerdWallet.com.
At the Financial Aid & Managing College Costs workshop, families will get an overview on how pay for college costs and the different types of financial aid available. VSAC will also share with families several resources and websites that offer additional tools to file financial aid forms.
VSAC's Financial Aid Forms workshop offers guidance on filling out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and the Vermont State Grant application.
The FAFSA is the basis for determining eligibility for federal Pell grants, the Vermont State Grant, financial aid from the school that the student attends, and for student loans. Income-eligible students average nearly $6,000 between the Pell and Vermont grants - money that doesn't need to be paid back.
Students and parents will each need to create their own FSA ID a few days prior to the workshop by visiting fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Check out the VSAC website for a list of other information to bring to be ready to successfully complete the applications.
Students and parents also can ask questions and learn about the college financial aid process, including how to apply for scholarships. Internet access will be available and space is limited.
Dates and locations for area workshops are:
• Bellows Falls Union High School, Financial Aid Forms, Oct. 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m., BFUHS Library.
• Vermont Academy, Financial Aid & Managing College Costs, Oct. 11, 3 p.m., College Seminar Room, Saxtons River.
• Leland & Gray Union High School, Financial Aid Forms, Oct. 15, 3 to 4:30 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m., LGUHS Library, Townshend.
• Brattleboro Union High School, Financial Aid Forms, Oct. 30, 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m., Library Computer Lab.