City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, January 21, 2015) – Rochester College Access Network, a program of Rochester Education Foundation is hosting a series of free events to help families take the first step towards making college an affordable reality.
FAFSA Fest 2015 will bring local volunteers to locations around the city to help students who plan to attend college in the 2015-2016 school year complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), answer financial aid questions and provide 1-on-1 help understanding college costs. Food and refreshments will be provided. Volunteers include financial aid counselors from local colleges, accountants and attorneys.
“Access to a quality education is the staircase out of poverty and continues to be my top priority. I am thankful for the many partners in this community that work tirelessly to make college a reality for our residents,” said Mayor Warren. “Inability to pay for college is sometimes a barrier for some. Making sure that students are aware of financial aid opportunities is exactly what FAFSA Fest is all about.”
Applications for most colleges and universities are due March 1. Financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis – so it is critical to submit the FAFSA on time.
FAFSA Fest events are scheduled as follows:
• Sunday, February 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at East High School (College Goal NY);
• Wednesday, February 18 from 2 to 6 p.m.; MCC Damon Campus, 228 East Main St. (Free parking is available at the Mortimer Street Garage, 83 Mortimer St.);
• Thursday, February 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.; Phillis Wheatley Library, 33 Doctor Samuel McCree Way;
• Saturday, February 21 from noon to 3 p.m.; Sully Branch Library, 530 Webster Ave.
Students attending the events on February 18, 19 and 21 will be eligible for a drawing to win one of eight $500 scholarships to Monroe Community College, thanks to the Monroe Community College Foundation. A tablet will also be given away through a drawing at the February 18 event, courtesy of the Foundation.
“Filling out the FAFSA is the first step for students who want to go to college and need financial support,” said Patricia Braus, chair of Rochester College Access Network. “These events throughout the city will make it easy for every potential college student in Rochester to obtain help in filling out these forms. A total of 49 percent of Rochester City School seniors submitted FAFSA forms this past school year, and we know that more students would benefit from financial aid, which is available and waiting for students to use.”
Student who plan to attend any of the FAFSA Fest events are asked to bring 2014 Federal and NYS Tax forms, or 2013 tax returns and a list of 2014 income and recent pay stubs. Parents or guardians should attend as well to ensure that the application process can be completed. All students are welcome and assistance for special circumstances will be available.
The Community Foundation, Excellus, Oppenheimer Funds, WXXI, WDKX and the Monroe Community College Foundation join the City of Rochester and the Rochester Public Library as sponsors of this inaugural event.
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, United Way, 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 of the Roc the Future community-wide coalition that coordinates 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.