FINANCIAL AID SATURDAYS

Students who complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are 350% more likely to go to college, according to research conducted by the Student Futures Project in Austin, Texas.  Even if the student does not qualify for federal aid, the FAFSA must be submitted before many universities will consider granting scholarship and institutional aid to students. Since securing financial aid is so important, and the submission process is so difficult to understand, the Atlanta Education Fund partners with local colleges, universities, APS, and businesses to offer financial aid application support.

Volunteers at Financial Aid Saturday events provide personal assistance with filling out the FAFSA. Students and families can also bring other financial aid applications they need help with, including the HOPE Scholarship and other state financial aid applications. It is our mission to help students secure the financial aid they need to go to college.  Services at these events are free and open to the public (from any school district). Be sure to spread the word to all students and families who may benefit from these services.  Select sites will also offer tax preparation services from the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign – VITA Tax Volunteers.

2011 Financial Aid Saturday Pilot Program

The AEF initiated a pilot Financial Aid Saturday program in Atlanta in 2011 based on the successful program that serves Metropolitan Austin, Texas.  The Atlanta FAS program was to develop a solid framework for future program implementation.  In addition, the pilot obtained feedback from participants and volunteers on how to create a program that would meet the needs of Atlanta’s students and families. 

2011 Pilot Program Highlights:

More than 80 students/families served at high schools including:

Between $220,000 – $440,000* in Pell grants available for all participants.

            * Maximum Pell grant award is $5,500 per students

More than 40 volunteers from:

2011 Sponsors included:

Walmart Foundation

A special thanks to all the volunteers and supporters that helped more than 80 students increase their access to college.

2012 FINANCIAL AID SATURDAYS