Monroe - On February 6, 2024, Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) will host a FAFSA Frenzy. This event will assist parents and students in completing the FAFSA form. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and must be completed to determine eligibility for any governmental assistance for college.
Recognizing the challenges students and parents face in completing the FAFSA form accurately, Crystal Gaines, LDCC's interim director of financial aid, emphasizes the event's significance. "We understand that the FAFSA process can be daunting for many families. Our FAFSA Frenzy welcomes all students, regardless of their intended college, to our Monroe Campus, where they will receive expert guidance and support in completing the form," says Gaines.
One of the key concerns addressed by this event is the anxiety associated with form submission. Attendees can be assured that their FAFSA forms will be submitted accurately, alleviating a common worry until confirmation is received.
The Department of Education recognized the challenges in completing the FAFSA form correctly and decided to roll out a new version this past December. The soft launch saw a host of technical issues and was met with much frustration from the end users. The attempt was to create a simpler form that would not take as long to complete. This change compounds the need for financial aid expertise.
Gaines highlights common misconceptions: "Many parents and students wrongly assume they may not be eligible for aid. FAFSA considers various factors, so completing the application is very important." She emphasizes that FAFSA is the gateway to the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Work-Study funds, student loans, and various scholarships and grants provided by federal, state, institutional, and private sources.
FAFSA Frenzy is open to the community and promises a welcoming environment. If available, attendees are encouraged to bring their 2022 tax information and their Federal Student Aid log-in ID. Students need not plan to attend LDCC to benefit from this invaluable service.
In addition to expert assistance, representatives from colleges and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid (LOSFA) will be on hand to provide information about scholarships and programs, making FAFSA Frenzy a holistic resource for those embarking on their educational journey. For questions, call 318-345-9005.