I’m helping the School Department with publicity for College Goal Sunday, on January 25 at 2:00, in the Somerville High School cafeteria. Please pass this information on to students who could use some help completing the FAFSA financial aid form. Students who want to attend should register ASAP, at www.masscollegegoalsunday.org. Also, the School Department is looking for volunteers who are available that afternoon to help families complete the FAFSA and/or serve as interpreters. Volunteers should register on the same site. Thank you!

What is College Goal Sunday?
College Goal Sunday is a non-profit program that provides free information and assistance to Massachusetts families applying for financial assistance for higher education. College Goal Sunday mobilizes financial aid professionals from Massachusetts colleges and universities to help families of college-bound students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, including grants and loans, throughout the nation.

When is College Goal Sunday?
The state’s fourth College Goal Sunday will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2008 at 2:00 pm at Somerville High School cafeteria, 81 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143

Who should participate in College Goal Sunday?
Students and families in low-income and minority communities who need help applying for financial aid to attend college must not miss College Goal Sunday. Adult students entering college are also encouraged to attend.

Why is College Goal Sunday important?
This one-day event will help families of college-bound students take the first step in applying for college by going through a two-hour moderated session that will lead to a completed financial aid form for the student.

Who can I contact with questions?
Anyone interested in learning more about College Goal Sunday may call 877/4-CGS-MAS or visit us online at www.masscollegegoalsunday.org.

What do I need to bring?
If available, students and their parents should bring completed 2008 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 statements and other 2008 income and benefits information. If your 2008 tax return is not yet completed, bring your 2007 returns and W-2s. Also bring current bank statements, untaxed income records for the previous year (Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records), driver’s license (if any) and alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen), investment statements about dividends or interest paid, information about parents or siblings educational costs, and any other current financial information.

Do students need to register?
In order to provide the best possible service to students now and in the future, we ask that students register online at www.masscollegegoalsunday.org

What if I cannot attend College Goal Sunday or would like more assistance after January 25, 2009?
Somerville students and families who need additional assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or who are looking for more resources on financial aid should visit TERI College Planning, a non-profit organization located in the Boston Public Library main building, 700 Boylston Street, Boston (617-536-0200) www.tericollegeplanning.org

What if I am not sure whether or not I am going to college?
Many students are not sure if they will be attending right after high school or have been out of high school for some time. By filling out the FAFSA there is no obligation to attend, however, by completing the FAFSA form deadlines will not be missed if the student decides to apply to college later in the year.

Melissa McWhinney
Advocacy Director
Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS)
66-70 Union Square, Suite 104
Somerville, MA 02143
mmcwhinney(at)caasomerville.org
617-623-1392 x. 108
617-625-2812 (fax)