Program to Provide Free Financial Aid Assistance to Students Across Iowa

PHOTO: Representatives from the Iowa College Access Network, the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Iowa Student Loan, Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Community College, AIB College of Business and  the Iowa College Student Aid Commission attend the proclamation signing in Governor Branstad’s office.

DES MOINES, IOWA – (January 23, 2015) – In an effort to encourage more Iowans to apply for federal financial aid, Governor Terry E. Branstad has signed a proclamation declaring the month of February as Iowa College Goal Sunday Month.

The Governor’s proclamation kicks off Iowa College Goal Sunday 2015, a program providing free on-site assistance to Iowa students and their families in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In 2015, the program expects to assist approximately 1,000 students targeting minority, low-income and first generation students statewide.

“We are honored to have Governor Branstad recognize the Iowa College Goal Sunday program, which is put together through a collaboration of community organizations and higher education institutions, all dedicated to making the financial aid process easier and more accessible for Iowa families,” said Brittania Morey, state coordinator for Iowa College Goal Sunday. “Increasing the number of students obtaining a postsecondary education is critical to the state’s workforce and economic development and College Goal Sunday enables many students to take the first step in attaining their college goals. Through College Goal Sunday, students who might not otherwise apply for college financial aid, or even understand that financial aid is an option, are able to receive assistance with the federal application, explore their college options and take advantage of the help provided by our volunteers.”

In 2015, there are 43 locations hosting 74 events across the state of Iowa. “Most Iowans will find themselves within 30-40 miles of an Iowa College Goal Sunday site this year,” explained Morey. “Through this program it doesn’t matter where a family resides, help is nearby and available for free this financial aid season.”

“St. Ambrose University’s financial aid and admissions staff look forward to hosting College Goal Sunday each year as we feel it is a wonderful community outreach event,” said Julie Haack, assistant vice president for enrollment and director of financial aid at St. Ambrose University in Davenport. “We have provided assistance to numerous families each year and in some cases are helping first generation students tackle the first major step in their college journey.”

Events will be held in Ames, Ankeny, Calmar, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha, Centerville, Clarinda, Clinton, Council Bluffs, Creston, Davenport, Denison, Des Moines, Dubuque, Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Iowa Falls, Keokuk, Lamoni, Marshalltown, Mason City, Monticello, Muscatine, Orange City, Ottumwa, Perry, Sheldon, Sioux City, Storm Lake, Waterloo, Waverly and West Burlington. For information on locations, dates and times, please visit www.IowaCGS.org. Details are also available from the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) at (877) 272-4692 or CGS@ICANsucceed.org.

Iowa College Goal Sunday is part of the national College Goal Sunday^SM program, currently managed by USA Funds and held in 40 states and the District of Columbia. A number of Iowa organizations have partnered to plan and present Iowa College Goal Sunday.

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About College Goal Sunday

The Iowa College Goal Sunday is part of the national College Goal Sunday^SM program, currently managed by USA Funds and held in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The program is funded by a grant through USA Funds with additional support from the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA). For more information visit www.IowaCGS.org.