Your future, our focus
POWELL, Wyo. - Big Horn Basin high school seniors can get help earning a $1,000 grant to the college of their choice by attending FAFSA FRENZY from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Northwest College.
The Wyoming College Access Challenge Grant is available to Wyoming high school graduates who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant and complete the FAFSA by March 1. The $1,000 grant will follow students to any institution they choose to attend during the 2012-13 year.
Because the FAFSA can be intimidating, NWC is helping high school seniors and their parents complete the online application, regardless of where the student plans to attend college. The Fagerberg Building computer lab in Room 26 will be staffed by NWC financial aid experts from 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 16.
Parents and students who plan to participate in the FAFSA FRENZY should obtain a personal identification number (PIN) as soon as possible. It takes a minimum of 24-72 hours for the PIN application to be finalized and made available to the student or parent.
Parents and students each need separate PINs (electronic signatures used when completing the FAFSA online). The PINs also allow Internet access to a multitude of other college-related financial aid information.
In addition to a PIN number, parents and students should bring with them their estimated or completed 2011 tax returns, W-2 forms and other pertinent 2011 income and benefits information. If parents can’t attend, students still need to bring this information.
The only way for high school seniors and their parents to know if they qualify for a Pell Grant is by filling out the FAFSA. Unlike a loan, a Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid.
More information about Pell Grants is available online.
The FAFSA is required by most colleges and universities when applying for financial aid and scholarships. Completing it by the March 1 deadline allows eligible students to be considered for the College Access Challenge Grant.
For more information about the Feb. 16 FAFSA FRENZY, call the Northwest College Financial Aid Office, 307-754-6158.