BEMIDJI, Minn. (Jan. 10, 2011) — Bemidji State University’s Office of Financial Aid will be hosting a Minnesota College Goal Sunday event at Bemidji High School to provide free information and assistance to families of high school seniors, regardless of the student’s future college plans.

The event will be held at Bemidji High’s Lumberjack Room from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. Bemidji High School is located at 2900 Division Street West, Bemidji. Participating students will be entered in a scholarship drawing.

College Goal Sunday is a national program that provides free information and assistance to families who are filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the federally required form for students seeking financial aid such as grants and loans. Completing the form is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid.

The workshop is designed for those who are low income or have no family history of attending college. However, any student who feels that financial aid is needed to attend college and who needs help applying for that aid is encouraged to attend the workshop. The workshop is not limited to students who plan to attend Bemidji State University; it is open to all college-bound high school seniors.

The workshop can even be beneficial to students who have yet to make a decision on completing their education after high school. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid does not obligate the student to attend school, and this important form will be completed in case the student decides to attend college later in the year.

Minnesota’s College Goal Sunday workshops are held at a variety of locations throughout the state each year.

Students should attend with a parent or guardian if possible, and should bring their parents’ completed federal income tax return, W-2 statements and other income and benefits information. If parents are unable to attend, students may attend alone and bring this information. Independent students may bring their own income and asset information.

A downloadable fact sheet is available at the Minnesota College Goal Sunday Web site (URL below) containing a checklist of items to bring along.

For more information, please contact Bemidji State’s Office of Financial Aid at (218) 755-2034.

ON THE WEB
• Minnesota College Goal Sunday: http://www.mncollegegoalsunday.org