March 17, 2009 -- University of Wyoming staff and student volunteers helped more than 50 students and families complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during a recent "College Goal Sunday" event.

The statewide event provided students and families with free assistance in completing the FAFSA and helped them learn about grants, student loans and work study opportunities, says Pilar Flores, UW Student Educational Opportunity director. The event also is intended to underscore the importance of completing and filing the FAFSA as early as possible.

UW student volunteers were Lisa Abeyta, a psychology sophomore from Loveland, Colo.; Sarah Logan, accounting senior, Rock Springs; and Tracy Montanez, business administration sophomore, Alliance, Neb.

Krisan Crow, Educational Opportunity Centers project director, coordinated the event. Volunteers included staff from the offices of Student Financial Aid, Student Success Services and Admissions. Paul Heimer and volunteers from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program assisted attendees with income tax preparation.

College Goal Sunday sponsors included Lumina Foundation for Education, USA Funds, TRIO Programs and GEAR UP Wyoming. Prizes and food were donated by Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Albertson's, Wal-Mart, the UW Bookstore, UW Athletics, Coal Creek Coffee and the Brown 'n Gold Outlet.

Scholarship drawings will be held statewide for $33,000 in aid to be given to students and families who completed their FAFSA during Wyoming events. Students and families can find step-by-step instructions for gathering required documents and completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Posted 03/18/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.