Ashley Thompson
On College Goal Sunday, Feb. 22, over 200 students sought the help of volunteers across all Pensacola Junior College campuses to get a head start in applying for financial aid for the 2009-10 school year.
For the past three years, it was made possible by a grant through the Department of Education. However, this is the first year ENLACE has taken the initiative to head the event.
ENLACE is a program underwritten by the W.K. Kellogg foundation that targets African-American and Latino students to promote college readiness and success.
“Some people think that application is so intimidating and complicated, so this is one way for us, as an institution and state, to help folks get through that process,” Virgina Santoni said, coordinator of scholarships.
The event was mainly targeted toward underprivileged and first generation students, but was open to all students applying for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
“This is the time of year when FAFSA becomes available, (and) is the opportunity to get it right the first time,” Santoni said. “The earlier students apply for federal aid, the earlier they qualify for more types of programs.”
Students were able to “break down any barriers keeping them from getting the aid they deserve and are qualified for” and seek the help needed to plan for the future, according to Santoni.
The number of students who attended was up slightly from years past. Most of the students, who attended, were high school seniors who are entering college next semester, while some were returning duel enrolled students.
“This was a good opportunity for students and their families to come in and get questions answered, which they did,” Santoni said. “We hopefully will continue this in some format as College Goal Sunday and certainly will be available for students next year as well.”