Governor Branstad Proclaims February as Financial Aid Awareness Month
Governor Branstad Proclaims February as Financial Aid
Awareness Month
Apply Early for Maximum Financial Aid Eligibility
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (Feb. 1, 201) — Last week Governor Terry Branstad
designated February as Financial Aid Awareness Month. This designation helps highlight
the importance of higher education attainment as a means to increasing the number of
educated workers in Iowa and creating a profitable and sustainable economy.
Though the FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) became available
on January 1, 2012, many colleges and universities have a March 1 deadline, making
February the opportune time to complete financial aid forms.
“INSERT quote from Amy Gaffney” said Amy Gaffney, president of the Iowa Association of
Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA) and assistant director of financial aid at the
University of Dubuque. “finish quote.”
IASFAA is partnering with the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) to reach out to students
and parents during this time when applying for financial aid is most critical, instilling the
belief in all students that college is an affordable dream.
ICAN Representatives have presented nearly 400 financial aid programs since November,
providing an overview and preparing Iowa families for the 2012 financial aid season. In
February, ICAN representatives are participating in nearly 86 FAFSA completion assistance events throughout the state during the month of February. These completion workshops
give step-by-step instructions with the end result being a completed application.
“Financial aid is a large factor in the success of many students and the Governor’s
designation emphasizes the importance of this step in the college process,” said Erick
Danielson, interim executive director at the Iowa College Access Network. “At ICAN we are
dedicated to helping as many students navigate the financial aid process, from assisting
with the FAFSA form to reviewing award letters and aiding families in understanding the
options available for financing a college education.”
In addition to traveling the state, providing financial aid assistance in Iowa communities,
ICAN also has offices in Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines that offer one-on-one
assistance, by appointment. “Last year our representatives completed 5,237 FAFSA forms,
enabling more students to qualify for financial aid and attend college,” said Danielson. “We
hope to exceed these numbers this year, ensuring more students are financially prepared
for their college careers.”
Highlighting Financial Aid Awareness Month is Iowa College Goal Sunday (CGS), an effort
that helps students and families who need assistance completing financial aid forms. CGS
events will be held Saturday, Feb, 18 through Sunday, Feb. 26 at 31 sites across Iowa.
To find assistance through at an Iowa College Goal Sunday site, visit www.IowaCGS.org for
an event nearest you. To schedule an appointment at an ICAN location, call (877) 272-4692
or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.