As the countdown begins for Bridgeport High School seniors, many families are also overwhelmed by the post-secondary financial obligations that last far beyond the prom and graduation. The Annual Bridgeport High School Financial Aid Night will help students and parents navigate the complicated and often confusing aspects of identifying financial resources for continuing education.

 

This year, the FAFSA is available on October 1, with the deadline of June 30,2018.  This gives families a few extra months to explore options and apply for grants and scholarships.  The BHS Financial Aid Night will take place from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. in the school library on October 22.  It is free of charge and both students and parents are encouraged to attend.

 

Counselor Jenna Edwards works year-round with students to make sure they have every opportunity to apply for scholarships, explore different college and dive into potential majors. Parents, however, often feel alone in their child’s transition from high school to college.  The resources seem plentiful but the information can be overwhelming, leaving families with approaching deadlines and no clue where to start the process.

 

The BHS Financial Aid Night is designed to give first-hand guidance to parents and students who are applying for any kind of financial aid.  Many families don’t realize that in order to qualify for the Promise, necessary forms must be filled out prior to the deadline. 

 

There will also be financial aid representatives from Fairmont State University to help families complete the FAFSA. In order to begin scholarship searches, a brief presentation of how to navigate that option will be included in the Financial Aid Night and a bake sale will be on site as well.

“It is important that families have their Federal Student Aid ID before attending the workshop to expedite the process,” said Edwards.  “Accounts can be set up at fsaid.ed.gov and both the parent and the student will need their IDs."

 

More information can be found on www.calendarwiz.com/bhsindians, along with upcoming deadlines and qualifications for various scholarships. The BHS Financial Aid Night is free and open to the public.