College Goal Sunday offered at UW-Sheboygan Feb. 20
FAFSA forms, tax preparation featured

Each year, students from first-generation and low-income families think they cannot afford to attend college. With the growing cost of post-secondary tuition, some students and their families believe a degree is not in their future.

College Goal Wisconsin hopes to change students’ minds. This statewide initiative provides step-by-step assistance to hundreds of high school seniors and their families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the necessary gateway for students who wish to access federal grants for higher education.

Locally, this event will be held on Sunday, February 20 with FAFSA presentations at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan campus in Sheboygan. The event is sponsored by the Wisconsin Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators and is designed to address the needs of low-income and first-generation college students who are completing and submitting the FAFSA. The federal government requires a FAFSA from all students seeking financial aid, including loans and grants, to attend and pay for college.

Each FAFSA presentation will be followed by hands-on access to campus computers so students and their parents can complete the FAFSA forms online with assistance from financial aid specialists. Don’t miss your chance to win a $100 or $250 Scholarship! Drawings will be done from a list of registered FAFSA completions.

In addition to the College Goal Wisconsin program, the day’s activities also will include free VITA Tax Preparation services from 9 a.m.-noon on the campus. Those planning to complete the FAFSA forms in the afternoon are encouraged to complete their 2010 taxes in the morning so they have tax information available when completing the FAFSA forms online.

All those participating in the VITA program must have earned $49,000 or less in 2010, earned all of their income in 2010 in Wisconsin and be legal U.S. citizens.

UW-Sheboygan is located at One University Drive, Sheboygan, and easily accessible off Taylor Drive between Union and Indiana avenues. All participants should park in the West Parking Lot and enter through the ACUITY Technology Center front entrance and stop at the registration table.

Dependent students, those born after January 1, 1987, should bring a parent along with completed federal income tax returns for 2010 (if filing) and W2 statements. If a parent is unavailable, students should still attend.

In 2006, 50 percent of Wisconsin high school graduates reported plans to attend a four-year college. However, many of these students struggle to fulfill their plans, or simply abandon them, for financial reasons. Completing the FAFSA is the first step these students must take to overcome their financial burdens and pursue their goal of higher education.

For more information about this event and other College Goal Wisconsin locations, please visit www.WiCollegeGoalSunday.org, or call (866) 578-4625.