The City of Philadelphia has vowed to help young Philadelphians apply for federal financial aid in an effort to advocate for a larger college enrollment.
Mayor Michael Nutter says that the success of the city is based on the number of citizens with degrees, reports the Inquirer.
Nutter along with other city officials announced the Philadelphia College Financial Aid/FAFSA Completion Campaign in a news conference Thursday, reports the Inquirer.
Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, Mary Rochford, Superintendent of Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools and U.S Rep. Chaka Fattah attended the press conference to support the campaign. Fattah says that he believes the program will inspire more students to go to college, reports the Inquirer.
The program would consist of community awareness and educational services to assist students in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The program is comprised of three factors: Educating students and their families about government aid; a media campaign to raise awareness on the immediacy of filing the FAFSA; and assistance filing the forms in workshops around the city.
Nutter believes that finding a way to pay for college is the “biggest barrier” for families who want their child to receive higher education.
The FAFSA dealine is May 1 for Pennsylvania students who want to receive state grants in the fall, according to the Inquirer. For more resources on the program and the FAFSA go to www.Phillygoes2college.com or call 215-686-0315.
