The Delaware Department of Education is partnering with community organizations across the state to offer families support in applying for college financial aid.
The state is designating late February to provide outreach and guidance to families with graduating seniors seeking assistance in paying for college. Community organizations will sponsor events about financial aid and assist with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion. The series of workshops will focus on assisting Delaware’s graduating seniors and their families to access financial aid opportunities to help pay college costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 90 percent of students who complete a FAFSA application will enroll in college. The Delaware Department of Education has partnered with the state’s high schools and $tandbyMe to ensure every high school has a financial aid evening this year.
“Thanks to the support of our community partners, our students and families have even more opportunities for help this year. Financial aid is an important piece for college enrollment, and we want families to have the support they need to overcome this hurdle,” Secretary of Education Mark Murphy said.
Students can expect to receive assistance with the following:
- · Completing the FAFSA
- · Filing the state’s online application for state funded and private scholarships administered by the Delaware Higher Education Office.
- · Finding information on federal, state and private sources of financial aid
- · Free tax preparation for families receiving assistance in filing the FAFSA (see community organization website information for availability)
The following workshops are scheduled in New Castle and Kent counties. Sussex community partners scheduled sessions earlier in the month:
New Castle County
- · 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, 23, 24, 25 and 26 at West End Neighborhood House 710 N. Lincoln Street Wilmington
- · 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 20, 23, 24 and 25 with Holmes Consulting at Rosehill Community Center, 19 Lambson Lane, New Castle
- · 1 to 4 p.m., Feb. 21 and 22 and 6 to 9 p.m.., Feb. 23 at H Fletcher Brown Boys and Girls Club, 1601 N. Spruce St., Wilmington
- · 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 21; 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 26; 5 to 7 p.m., Feb. 25 at Delaware Futures, 1104 N. Adams St., Wilmington
- · 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Delaware Alliance for Community Advancement, 408 E. 8th St., Wilmington, or 400 Lenape Way, Claymont
Kent County
- · 5 to 8 p.m., Feb. 25 at Kent County Library, 497 South Red Haven Lane, Dover
- · 1 to 4 p.m., March 8 at Dover Public Library, 35 E. Loockerman St., Dover
For more information, visit www.delawaregoestocollege.org.
