Families met for food, a little fun and more than a little
bit of information on Thursday, March 13th at the School of Law and Social
Justice at South Atlanta (LSJ). Participating Juniors and Seniors met with
their parents in the courtroom to learn more about the Financial Aid Process
and receive assistance in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid). Facilitated by volunteers from LSJ’s Senior class and Mr. Ante
Williams, Student Finance Commission State Representative, the meeting featured
hands-on assistance, pizza, drinks and even a raffle for prizes.
“The process can be daunting for first generation students
and their parents who have never been through the process themselves,” says
program coordinator, Rita Cruz.
Over 90% of students at the South Atlanta Educational
Complex receive Free and Reduced Lunch, an indicator that marks them eligible
for federal student aid. In a recent visit to a Virginia high school First Lady
Michelle Obama stated that, “ [completing the FAFSA] is the single most important
thing you can do for your future.”
As college costs climb higher and higher it becomes even
more important for families to be well informed about all of their options.
Topics discussed included: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans, pell grants, forbearance,
deferments, tax questions, and how to file.
