Students who attend “College Goal Sunday” this weekend will leave with their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completed.

The event is meant to be “a facilitator to help encourage students not to be intimidated by the FAFSA,” assistant director of student financial aid Yvonna Washington-Greer said.

“College Goal Sunday” is taking place Sunday Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. in Franklin Hall at the Kent State main campus. The event is free and is presented by the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and endorsed by the Ohio Board of Regents. This is Kent State’s fourth year hosting the event.

The goal of the event is to help prospective students complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is a federal application for financial aid including need-based state grants, student loans and the Federal Pell Grant.

The event is aimed at prospective students and their families, but current students can come if they have not filled out the FAFSA for 2009-2010. Students who have already attempted the 2009-2010 application, however, should stop by the financial aid office or call with questions, Washington-Greer said.

Also, students can come regardless of where they go to school or are planning on going.

She said “College Goal Sunday” acts as a way to retain and recruit students by offering them financial confidence.

“One of the reasons why students don’t go to school or continue with school is finances,” she said.

Washington-Greer said the program helps families and students realize college is something they can afford with help from the government, and they see “education is doable.”

Students are not obligated to register, but are encouraged to due to high demand for assistance in completing the FAFSA. To register, visit www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org or call 1-877-428-8246. Walk-ins are welcome.

Kent State students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 11. This is the processing date, when the applications are filed and money is awarded. Students should aim to get the application done as soon as possible because more funds are available the sooner it comes in.

– Kelly Petryszyn