Assemblyman Brindisi to Host Student Financial Aid Event

January 22, 2013

Utica – Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi is hosting a Student Financial Aid event with representatives from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and area colleges on Thursday, January 31st from 6 to 8 p.m. The event for area students and their family members takes place in room 225 of the Information Technology Building at Mohawk Valley Community College, 1101 Sherman Drive in Utica.

The event kicks off with a financial aid presentation to educate college-bound students and their families about the types of financial aid available and how to apply for it. Financial aid experts from local colleges will be on hand to offer assistance following the presentation to those who wish to file their financial aid application at the event.

HESC, New York’s student financial aid agency, is coordinating a statewide campaign entitled “Start Here, Get There,” to inform and educate students and families about college financial aid, and to promote the completion of the most important tool in securing that aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“A college degree will open many doors in life, but it is also expensive,” Brindisi said. “That’s why I am encouraging prospective students and their families to attend this event to learn about ways to reduce the cost of attaining a college diploma, and to receive information on obtaining financial assistance to help offset the rising cost of a higher education.”

"It's been found that families that are eligible for financial aid are least likely to know about it," said HESC Acting President Elsa Magee. “Governor Cuomo is helping to ensure that more New Yorkers with college-aged children will be able to receive early assistance in applying for moneys that are available to help them pay for college by designating January as New York State Financial Awareness Month, a period during which students and families can learn about and apply for financial aid opportunities available to help them pay for college. Assemblyman Brindisi recognizes the importance of bringing this information to the students and families in his district, helping to increase access to an education that will start them on a path toward future success."

Completing the FAFSA is the first step to obtaining financial aid. Families of college-bound students, as well as those currently attending college, should complete the FAFSA as early as possible to have the best chance of receiving all the financial aid for which they are qualified.

Families of high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend the presentation. Seniors and their parents who wish to complete the FAFSA at the event will need to bring certain financial records with them, and are asked to register at www.StartHereGetThere.org/events to receive additional information. Brindisi’s office also will mail or email a brochure with information on the event to anyone who is interested. You can call the office at (315) 732-1055 or email it at brindisia@assembly.state.ny.us for more information.

Students can also go to www.StartHereGetThere.org to see a list of additional local events, and a step-by-step tutorial for completing the FAFSA, along with college and financial aid planning information, informative videos, helpful tips and tools, and information about federal, state, and college-sponsored aid, including grants such as New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and other scholarships, loans, and work study programs.

Students and families can receive personal assistance with their FAFSA questions through February through an online chat conducted weekdays on www.StartHereGetThere.org; emailing FAFSAhelp.hesc.ny.gov; or by calling a special toll-free HESC hotline at 1-800-808-1790 weekdays from noon to 5 p.m.

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