FAFSA Phone-a-thon

Posted by Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable on March 6, 2017

On Tuesday March 7th, 2017 Councilmember Helen Gym is partnering with Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable, Council President Darrell Clarke, and Fox 29 Good Day morning show to air a call-in show that enables us to educate thousands of residents about the process of financing college. The program will include guest speakers from City Council and students who have successfully financed their college education.

The call center will be staffed by volunteer financial aid administrators from area colleges and universities. They will respond to questions from callers who need assistance with FAFSA, financial aid and/or financing college in general. We ask that you please spread the word and share the attached flyer with your network.

To get FAFSA help, people can call 215-686-7800 between 7:00am – 11:00am on Tuesday, March 7th.

Background:

Philadelphia is one of twenty-two cities selected by the National College Access Network (NCAN) to participate in a national FAFSA Completion Challenge. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of students who start and complete a postsecondary credential.

The challenge focuses on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because studies have shown students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in postsecondary education programs.

Philadelphia is pursuing a multipronged approach to achieving its goal. Volunteers are going into high schools to assist students in the financial aid process and FAFSA/financial aid workshops will be held in community based organizations. To supplement the direct support provided to District schools, a large scale educational campaign is planned.