Counselor’s Corner
by ALLISON TILLOTSON
Do you feel overwhelmed or need assistance with the FAFSA application process? We can help you! Hays CISD will offer four Financial Aid Saturday sessions, two Saturdays at Hays H.S. (February 5 and February 12) and two Saturdays at Lehman H.S. (February 26 and March 5) to complete the online FAFSA application. Parents and students are encouraged to attend these events and don’t forget to bring your income tax information. Income tax specialists will be available for one of the two Financial Aid Saturdays at each campus. Spanish-speaking volunteers will also be available for each event. Volunteers will help you complete the online FAFSA application in an hour! Our Financial Aid Saturday volunteers are also geared to help our students who are undocumented citizens of the United States. These students and their parents can receive financial assistance for school through the Texas Application for Financial Assistance (TAFSA) Program. The TAFSA application will be submitted directly to the college’s financial aid department.
What other resources are available to assist in paying for college or other educational programs? Scholarships are another option to provide funding for educational programs. How do I find out about these awards? You or your student can utilize a national scholarship search database such as www.fastweb.com or access the e-scholarship website available to Hays CISD students at http://collegeguidanceconsultants.com and provide the user name and password “hays”. Hays CISD students are fortunate to have an opportunity for local scholarships provided by Hays County businesses, service organizations, community groups and churches. Your student can access this opportunity by completing the Hays CISD local scholarship application which is due March 22. Don’t forget to check with the College and Career Counselor at each campus to utilize other scholarship options.
The financial aid season is an important time for both students and parents. Take every opportunity to receive funding which will assist your student in achieving higher educational goals. Explore all financial aid options and make sure you meet every deadline.
