HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) hosted a FAFSA® completion workshop yesterday. The event underscored the importance of applying for financial aid and aimed to simplify the application process for students and their families.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical first step in securing financial assistance for the 2024-25 academic year. The workshop offered hands-on guidance from higher education experts to ensure successful completion of the FAFSA form.
This initiative aligns with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to broadening access to higher education across the state. Governor Shapiro has proposed a new blueprint for postsecondary education that emphasizes workforce development and affordability. Under this plan, PHEAA State grants would see an increase of $1,000, providing students with more resources.
“Postsecondary education opens doors for students across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. “But without financial aid, college is out of reach for too many students. That’s why Governor Shapiro’s blueprint for higher education is grounded in access and affordability for all Pennsylvanians.”
The 2024-25 FAFSA form introduces several enhancements, including expanded eligibility for federal student aid and Pell Grants. The streamlined form allows applicants to skip up to 26 questions, depending on their circumstances, potentially reducing the completion time to as little as 10 minutes.
“Families of college-bound students, especially those with unique situations and circumstances, may encounter questions and challenges in completing the FAFSA,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA Board Chairman. “Successful completion of the FAFSA is a critical step in obtaining financial aid.”
The FAFSA form serves as a gateway to federal, state, and institutional aid, including the PA State Grant Program, which has awarded over $13 billion to nearly 8 million students since its inception.
The workshop coincided with Financial Aid Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing students and families with crucial information about accessing federal, state, and institutional aid.
“February is Financial Aid Awareness Month and the perfect time to promote the free resources and assistance we provide to Pennsylvania’s students and families year-round,” explained James H. Steeley, PHEAA President, and CEO.
This year, students across the country can begin applying for financial aid through the newly updated FAFSA form. As Pennsylvania continues to prioritize affordable access to higher education, events like the FAFSA Completion Workshop offer practical support.
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