This week is FAFSA Awareness Week in Iowa - the official kick-off to the financial aid season. The FAFSA form for Fall 2024 officially opened on December 31, which means you can now begin applying for financial aid.

The FAFSA can be overwhelming for first time filers and seasoned completers alike, which is why ICAN and Iowa College Aid are here to help. Here are some events and resources that can help you in the planning process.

Create Your FSA ID & Prepare for the FAFSA

The Bureau of Iowa College Aid will host a virtual walk through to create your StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID). All students and contributors should have an FSA ID before completing the FAFSA. Join our College Coaches to create your account. This is a live event with the opportunity to ask questions & receive individual assistance. 

Tuesday, January 16th | 5:30 p.m. | Register here

FAFSA Step by Step
 

Join us on Wednesday for a virtual FAFSA Step-by-Step event. Follow along question by question and complete your FAFSA. If you have questions, jump in the chat and our team of financial aid professionals will help you. 

FAFSA Step by Step FAFSA Completion Assistance
Perfect for seniors and parents

Wednesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm - Tune in on the ICAN Facebook page or REGISTER

Join ICAN for this interactive session. ICAN advisors will walk through how to complete the FAFSA form step-by-step, and answer questions along the way. From student dependency status to which parent is reported on the FAFSA, we'll cover all the tricky questions about income and assets, explain how the IRS Data Sharing works, and cover next steps once the FAFSA form is submitted.

A recording of the event will be available at www.facebook.com/ICANsucceed/videos following the live broadcast.

Additional Events

Completing your FAFSA is an important step in the process. If you need assistance and can't attend the FAFSA Step by Step event, you can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with an ICAN advisor by visiting www.ICANsucceed.org/apt or calling (877) 272-4692.

You can also attend a FAFSA Ready Iowa event. FAFSA Ready Iowa is a statewide program that organizes community and school-based events to provide assistance to families in completing the form. Your high school or a college in your community may be hosting an event that you can attend. Visit www.ICANsucceed.org/FAFSAReadyIAevents to find a location near you that is providing FAFSA assistance.

Additional FAFSA Completion Assistance
You can also schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with ICAN by visiting www.icansucceed.org/apt or visit www.icansucceed.org/fafsareadyiaevents for a list of completion events happening across Iowa. 

Additional Resources

ICAN Senior Alerts

Specific to the class of 2024, sign up now and we'll begin sending you specific reminders and information to help you prepare for financial aid season and FAFSA completion. Alerts will continue throughout senior year with deadline reminders, alerts for steps in the planning process, and scholarship opportunities. Sign-up.

Virtual College Coach

Sign up for Iowa College Aid's Virtual Coach texting service to receive individualized FAFSA and college-going assistance. This is available for students & parents in grades 9-12. Additionally, Iowa College Aid has college coaches available for virtual, one on one FAFSA appointments. Appointments are available days & evenings for convenience. More Information & sign up here.

Webinars and Recorded Planning Videos

ICAN hosts a weekly webinar on Wednesdays. Each Wednesday is a different planning topic for high school students.

Here is a list of recent webinars specific to seniors.

• FSA ID Step by Step
• How to Apply to College - A Review of the Application Process
• How to Pay for College - Understanding the Financial Aid Process
• FAFSA Step by Step Preview
• The Scholarship Process
• State of Iowa Financial Aid with Iowa College Aid

Here are the upcoming webinars for seniors. All begin at 5:30 pm.

• FAFSA Step by Step - January 17, 2024 - Register
• The Scholarship Process - January 24 - Register
• What Happens After FAFSA? - February 7 - Register
• FAFSA Step by Step - February 18 - Register

For a complete list of all activities visit www.ICANsucceed.org/FAFSAawarenessweek