Record-setting Event Helps Thousands of Michigan Kids Complete Application for Financial Aid Loans

Lansing, MI (PRWEB) March 10, 2009 -- Over two thousand Michigan students were able to complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form accurately and on time, thanks to the efforts of 500 volunteers participating in Michigan College Goal Sunday. This free program was organized by EduGuide (EduGuide.org (www.eduguide.org)) a nonprofit agency located in Lansing.

The FAFSA is used to determine student eligibility for most government and other scholarships, grants, work study, and subsidized student loans for college (www.eduguide.org).

Attendance at this year's program (part of a nationwide initiative) exceeded Michigan's previous national record by a whopping 36 percent. Financial aid experts from all 15 of the Michigan public universities helped 2,609 students during the two-hour-long event, hosted at college campuses across the state.

"Our collaboration with the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, the Department of Treasury, and others has delivered great results," said Bryan Taylor, president of EduGuide. "Together we've not only helped more people at College Goal Sunday, but our outreach campaign has increased the number of people submitting the FAFSA statewide."

"While the Michigan Department of Treasury has announced March 1 as the priority date for submitting the FAFSA, it's not too late to apply if families act quickly," said Taylor.

"The earlier you complete your FAFSA the better" said Alicia Sutfin, EduGuide's College Goal Sunday program support staff. "It's like saving your place in line for the money train. Even if you're not sure you'll attend college in the fall, it's still better to max out how much you qualify for by submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible. You can always decide later if you want to take their offer."

Families and students who have questions about filling out the FAFSA can access financial aid experts by posting their questions on EduGuide's Advice Forum, at EduGuide.org (http://www.eduguide.org/Parents/Advice/tabid/180/Default.aspx). All questions will be answered free of charge.

Other College Goal Sunday partners include the Michigan Guarantee Agency, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Lumina Foundation for Education, and the DTE Energy Foundation. Parents and students can get additional advice and guides to prepare and pay for college at www.EduGuide.org.

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