Contact: Bob Spieldenner
(804) 225-2628
bobspieldenner@schev.edu

April 15, 2024 

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will host a free webinar to help students and families navigate the financial aid process and the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. A panel of financial aid experts will answer questions and discuss the FAFSA, federal and state financial aid, the award processes, dependency status and other topics. To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/LUVFAFSA042024.

“The new FAFSA form and process this year have generated many questions and much confusion. We want to empower students and their families to complete their application so they can qualify for grants and scholarships,” said Erin McGrath, SCHEV assistant director of college access and manager of Level Up Virginia.

The webinar is one of several efforts taking place in Virginia during FAFSA Week of Action (April 15-19), a federal initiative to increase the number of FAFSA submissions. According to the National College Attainment Network, the number of FAFSA submissions from Virginia high school seniors is down approximately 20 percent compared to last year.

During the week, SCHEV and its partners are organizing various activities to support students and their families. These efforts include in-person and virtual FAFSA workshops at high schools, a postcard mailing campaign targeting high school seniors from lower-income families and collaboration with radio stations across Virginia to broadcast public service announcements about the FAFSA in both English and Spanish.

“Students need to be patient, but persistent when filling out their FAFSA. The application is the key to gaining access to free money for school,” McGrath emphasized. “Get help If you’re having challenges completing the FAFSA. Don’t let any issues keep you from pursing your education goals.”

Students having trouble completing their FAFSA should contact Federal Student Aid at 1-800-433-3243 or visit studentaid.gov. Students with completed applications who have questions should contact their preferred institution’s financial aid office.

Level Up Virginia is a statewide initiative led by SCHEV and the Virginia Department of Education with the mission to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment and completion for all students in the Commonwealth.

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