Free virtual help offered to help complete college finance aid forms

Metro Wire Staff

Several virtual events aimed at helping prospective college students and their families complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be held this spring through College Goal Wisconsin.

The free events, staffed by volunteers such as UW-Stevens Point’s Financial Aid Director Mandy Slowinski, are held via Zoom for 90 minutes.

Each will include an introductory presentation, then offer breakout rooms where volunteers are available to answer questions from participants. The FAFSA can be completed during the event. Information on the needed materials and how to register is available at https://collegegoalwi.org/.

Events will be offered online:

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 4, 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 15, 6 p.m.

Any student planning on pursuing higher education should complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and possibly institutional and private funds, said Slowinski.

“Completing the FAFSA is the first step in helping students finance their education,” she said. “College Goal Wisconsin offers free help in completing the FAFSA and getting your questions answered by financial aid professionals and other educators who volunteer. The events are being held virtually so students and their families can sit in the comfort of their home to complete the FAFSA and get the assistance they might need.”

Last fall, College Goal Wisconsin helped more than 500 prospective students complete the FAFSA. More than 70 percent of those were high school seniors.