HANCOCK COUNTY — With less than three weeks before the deadline, only a little over one-third of high school seniors in Hancock County have applied for federal student aid for post-secondary education, according to a state agency.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education recently reported that only 35 percent of Hancock County seniors have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Less than half of all high school seniors in Indiana have filed, according to the commission.
“More than $300 million in state financial aid for college is available to students who file the FAFSA by April 15,” Jess Nejad, assistant director of communications for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, said in an email to the Daily Reporter. “However, each year thousands of dollars get left on the table, leaving students without money for college.”
The Hancock County Community Foundation puts on FAFSA workshops at Hancock County’s four high schools every year. Representatives from INvestED, an organization that helps Hoosiers plan for post-secondary education, are present to help attendees complete the necessary paperwork.
The community foundation also partnered with Leaders in Navigating Knowledge to provide a workshop at the Hancock County Public Library last month open to anyone interested in pursuing post-secondary education.
Janet White, education officer for the Hancock County Community Foundation, said she was surprised that only 35 percent of Hancock County high school seniors have applied for FAFSA so far.
“A lot of people wait until the last couple days before they take care of these things,” White said.
While INvestED doesn’t have any more FAFSA workshops planned before the upcoming deadline, it still can provide plenty of help, according to Bill Wozniak, vice president of marketing. He encourages those in need to visit investedindiana.org. They also may call 317-715-9015 or email [email protected].
“FAFSA is pretty complicated and it’s kind of scary to go in there and do it by yourself,” White said.
Added Wozniak: “All people have to do is reach out, and we’ll help them get across the finish line, no problem.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”By the numbers” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
High school senior FAFSA filings
Hancock County: 35 percent
Eastern Hancock: 54 percent
Greenfield-Central: 28 percent
Mt. Vernon: 37 percent
New Palestine: 41 percent
Source: Indiana Commission for Higher Education
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you apply” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
WHAT: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
DEADLINE: April 15
WHERE: studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
Consultation also is available for those who need help filling out the form. You can visit investedindiana.org. You also may call 317-715-9015 or email [email protected].
[sc:pullout-text-end]
