DON’T MISS OUT
ON FAFSA HELP
In October, UnidosNow launched
a campaign to promote FAFSA
completion. In collaboration with United
Way Suncoast, Manatee Community
Foundat ion, and other par tners,
workshops will be offered to high school
seniors and their parents to help them
complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA).
FAFSA assistance will be offered this
winter between :30pm and 6:30pm at
the following schools:
• January 30th:
Lakewood Ranch High School
• February 13th:
Southeast High School
Students can participate at either of
these locations, regardless of where
they are enrolled or attend school. They
will also need to bring documents to
help with required information such as
2017 tax returns, social security number,
and driver’s license number. Additional
information may be requested as the
application goes through processing.
Completing the FAFSA form helps
current and prospective college students
determine their eligibility for student
nancial aid. Last year, through collective
community efforts with partners, including
the School District of Manatee County,
local FAFSA completion rates increased
2.5% over the prior year. According to the
Florida College Access Network (FCAN),
this resulted in potential Pell Grant totals of
$2,06,95 for Manatee students.
“It is urgent for high school seniors to
complete their FAFSA application as
soon as possible since colleges have
different deadlines. They should not delay
completing the form,” said Luz Corcuera,
Executive Director of UnidosNow.
More than $2 billion in nancial aid goes
unclaimed annually in the U.S. According
to FAFSA.gov, students who complete the
form have an 85% chance of accessing
money for college.
UnidosNow is also recruiting volunteers
to staff the FAFSA workshops. Students
and volunteers who would like more
information can contact Juan Arcila,
Associate Director of Education Initiatives,
at Juanunidosnow.org or 91-777-518.
About UnidosNow
With a mission to elevate the quality of
life of the Latino community through
education, integration, and civic
engagement, UnidosNow aims to
empower rst generation, low income
students, to successfully pursue higher
education. For more information, visit
www.UnidosNow.org.
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/www.UnidosNow.org