On Monday December 5th, at the Danbury High School Library Learning Commons, Western Connecticut State University and their office of financial aid were helping DHS students apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The director of financial aid at Westconn, Melissa Stephens, explained that “FAFSA is… the tool by which institutions use to determine a students eligibility and our ability to then access resources for students to make going to college affordable and enable for them.” Stephens said that “FAFSA is the first step for any student who wants to go to school or to make college a dream come true for them… it’s also important because its what makes it possible for many students where finances play an integral role, an important role in their determining what school they’re able to go to.” Members of the Westconn Financial Aid office were available to answer any of the students and parents questions in the LLC from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. From 5:00pm to 6:00pm, before the FAFSA workshop, they were also helping with Aid Application for CT Undocumented Students (AACTUS).

• Parents and students going to the financial aid workshop were required to bring:

• FSA ID (both parents and students)
• 2021 federal tax return 
• 2021 w-2 form or year end paystub
• 2021 untaxed income records
• Current bank statements
• Current business and investment records

If students plan on doing the FAFSA at home with a parent will need these documents to complete the FAFSA application.

Not only did this financial aid workshop provide knowledge and support that will help students move forward on college applications, but it also provided raffles, food, and giveaways. After you finished your financial aid application, students earned a FAFSA shirt and were entered into a raffle giving them a chance to win free AirPod pros. 

The staff at the workshop was very helpful, making sure to support and answer questions to the best of their abilities, making it easier for students and parents during this confusing and difficult journey.