Report from the U.S. House - Congressman Travis Childers


Thursday, January 14, 2010
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Report from the U.S. House
Congressman Travis Childers

Improved FAFSA will benefit students

As students, parents, and non-traditional students look ahead to the next school year, it’s important that they have access to user-friendly resources to help secure financial aid.

As of January 1, students and other individuals can begin filing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications for the 2010-2011 school year. A FAFSA application is necessary for determining the amount of financial aid – including federal grants and loans – each individual is eligible to receive.

To simplify the federal aid application process by making it easier for students and others to access financial support for postsecondary studies, the federal government has created a new, streamlined 2010-11 FAFSA available online.

The improved FAFSA will benefit students interested in a variety of loan and grant programs. For instance, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year for those who plan on getting certified to teach in an elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Additionally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes a $500 increase in the maximum Pell Grant.

The estimated 96,824 Mississippi students who will benefit from this grant will also be able to take advantage of the streamlined FAFSA.

In addition to making the application process easier for students, the improved FAFSA will help individuals looking into the many job training opportunities that quality for federal financial aid.

Filling out a FAFSA application online is the fastest and easiest way to apply. To access more information and apply online, visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

A summary of changes to the online FAFSA is available from the U.S. Department of Education at http://www.edgovblogs.org.

As always, please continue to keep me informed about your opinions and concerns by phone at (202) 225-4306 or by visiting my website at www.childers.house.gov.

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