Community Gathers to Help Raise College-Going Rates

According to a study at the University of Chicago, “Filling a FAFSA and applying to multiple colleges shape student’s likelihood of being accepted to and enrolling in a four-year college.” The study goes on to say that applying for financial aid “may be the most critical step for low-income students on the road to college”. Historically speaking, financial aid forms tend to be confusing – especially for high school students.

Further, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 90 percent of 21st-century skilled workforce jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. Since 2002, the rate of those who immediately enroll in college after graduating from high school has fluctuated between 64 and 69 percent. What keeps students from moving directly into post-secondary education? One answer, among others, is the cost of attending an institution of higher education. To combat this barrier, the Chamber will be helping students and parents fill out financial aid applications this spring at 5 different events called “Financial Aid for the Future”.

The purpose of the Financial Aid for the Future is to assist students and their families in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 31 or earlier to help secure the financial aid that may be needed to attend college. Students preparing to enroll for the fall semester 2010 must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for available subsidized loans, work-study, and federal and state grants. The Chamber’s goal is to serve at least 250 families over the course of 4 Saturdays, 5 sites, and 2 area school districts.

How can you help? Since we know that education is the key to our area’s economic future you can join the other area businesses who are pouring their time and resources into this initiative. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

Each volunteer will need to attend one training session and one event day. At the training session, you will be taught how to fill out the FAFSA yourself and how to help others. At the event day, you will work hand-in-hand with area students and families to help fill out the form. Training and event dates are listed below:

TRAINING DATES: (Locations vary with each date; lunch will be provided.)
January 12, 13, 20 or 21 from 11 AM – 1 PM

EVENT DATES:
February 13 – Molina High School, Dallas ISD
February 20 – Thomas Jefferson High School and Skyline High School, Dallas ISD
February 27 – R.L. Turner High School, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
March 6 – Townview High School, Dallas ISD
All FAS events will be from 8:30 AM -12:30 PM

To sign up for a sponsorship or to volunteer, please visit the Chamber’s website at: www.dallaschamber.org. The training and events are listed under the ‘Events’ tab according to date. Please note that you will need to sign up for both a training session as well as the event date that works best for you.

For questions regarding this program, please contact Lindsay Ayers at lmayers@dallaschamber.org.