News Release - Mayor Lovely Warren and Rochester College Access Network Invite College-Bound Seniors to Final “FAFSA Fest” Event

City of Rochester

News Release

(Thursday, March 1, 2018) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren and the Rochester College Access Network invite college-bound high school seniors and their families to attend the final FAFSA Fest event of the season from noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 3, at MCC Downtown Campus, 321 State St. Free parking is available. FAFSA Fest is a series of free events to help students and families take the first step towards making college an affordable reality. Students attending the event are eligible for a drawing to win a $500 scholarship to the Monroe Community College bookstore, thanks to the Monroe Community College Foundation.

“Events like FAFSA Fest remove barriers and show our students that college is achievable and attainable, opening the doors not only to education opportunities, but also jobs and safer more vibrant neighborhoods,” said Mayor Warren. “I am thankful for the many partners in this community who work tirelessly to make college a reality for our residents. College costs continue to rise, and FAFSA Fest ensures that students are aware of their financial aid opportunities.”

FAFSA Fest helps students who plan to attend college in the 2018-2019 school year complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Volunteers including financial aid counselors from local colleges will be on hand to answer financial aid questions and provide one-on-one help to understand college costs. The event is for high school seniors and their families and for students in college receiving aid who need to file a FAFSA form annually. Students will also be able to learn about New York State’s Excelsior Scholarship which, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. Pre-registration is not required and refreshments will be provided.

Students, parents or guardians planning to attend any of the FAFSA Fest events are asked to bring their 2016 Federal tax returns. All students are welcome and assistance for special circumstances will be available.

“Filling out the FAFSA can be complicated and difficult for students and families. These events provide trained, confidential help to students and their families,” said Patricia Braus, chair of Rochester College Access Network and executive director of Rochester Education Foundation. The number of Rochester students submitting FAFSA forms early enough to be considered for most scholarships and grants has increased 50 percent since the launch of FAFSA Fest in 2015.

ESL Charitable Foundation, Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, The Community Foundation, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Oppenheimer Funds, Monroe Community College Foundation, WDKX 103.9, News 8 WROC, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, Paychex, ConServe, Roc the Future, Rochester City School District and New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAAA) join the City of Rochester as sponsors.

Rochester College Access Network (RCAN) is a program of Rochester Education Foundation. RCAN is a collaborative initiative encouraging college access and success through communication, coalition and advocacy for students in Rochester to enable students to reach their full potential. Members of RCAN include every local college or university, Rochester City School District, the Rochester Area Community Foundation, not-for-profit groups including Hillside Work Scholarship Connection and the Urban League, and business and other individual representatives. Rochester College Access Network is a component member of the Roc the Future community-wide coalition that tracks the work of local agencies seeking to close the achievement gap for students in Rochester schools.

For more information, visit www.RochesterCAN.org, www.cityofrochester.gov/FAFSAfest, or call Rochester Education Foundation at 271-5790.

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.