Community Rallies – Students Benefit!

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”.

We have had an overwhelming response from the community and we are excited to join together in an effort to help area students. Over 230 volunteers will help students and families during the months of February and March as they fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students must get this in 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 450 families over the course of 4 Saturdays, 5 sites, and 2 area school districts.

Why the FAFSA? 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.

We want to thank all of our volunteers and our sponsors for their support of this effort. The University of North Texas is the program’s gold sponsor and Comerica Bank is the silver sponsor. Texas Guaranty has provided training for our volunteers and the Dallas County Community College District provided host training locations. Dallas ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD have provided volunteers as well as host locations for the actual events. To all of the companies, institutions of higher education and public education as well as to our community volunteers, we thank you!

Currently all volunteer positions are filled. If you are interested in participating but did not sign up this year, please look for this program again next year. For questions regarding this program, please contact Lindsay Ayers at lmayers@dallaschamber.org.