Feb. 10 Event Helps College-Bound Students File Tuition Aid Applications

College-bound New Yorkers were urged last week by state Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith to utilize two existing state financial aid programs to access tuition loans.

In making the suggestion, Smith (D- Jamaica) pointed to programs offered by the New York State Financial Aid Administrator's Association (NYSFAAA) and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).

"The two organizations have a long history of offering collaborative, special projects," Smith said.

"New Yorkers may not know about all the financial resources available to help plan and pay for college. By combining scholarships, work study and savings programs, however, state residents can put together a personalized financial package that a working family can afford."

The first step, Smith said, is completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the universally required financial aid application.

Smith said the next helpful step would be to attend "College Goal Sunday", which will be held on February 10 at John Bowne H.S., in Flushing, at 63-25 Main St. from 1 to 4 p.m. The free event is sponsored by NYSFAAA and HESC and it offers hands-on professional help with filling out the FAFSA application and submitting it electronically.

Besides Bowne H.S., the event will also be held at 14 other locations throughout the state on February 10, Smith said.

"Filling out financial aid forms can be complicated and time-consuming, but College Goal Sunday makes it easier to clear the paperwork hurdle," Smith added in a message directed at high school seniors. "Don't let the fear of applying keep you from achieving your educational goals. A college degree can open doors for the rest of your life."

Smith said that more than 1,000 high school seniors filed their federal financial aid applications electronically at last year's event. He urged soon-to-be high school graduates and their families to visit www.collegegoalsunday.com for more information relative to the February 10 event.

Smith said the Web site includes a step-by-step checklist detailing the process of securing the necessary forms and information to complete the documents families must bring to the College Sunday event.- John Toscano