Officials Urge Philly College Hopefuls To Apply Early For Financial Aid
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Michael Nutter and other officials gathered today at City Hall to get the word out about a new program encouraging city students to apply for college financial aid.
The number of Philadelphians who have a college degree has risen from 18 percent to 23 percent, but the mayor wants to see that number rise, so he has joined with a coalition of public and private partners to launch the "FAFSA Completion Campaign."
"We'll provide hands-on support as they complete their FAFSA ("Free Application for Federal Student Aid") form at over 50 workshops that will take place across the city in the next few months," the mayor said on Thursday.
Pennsylvania state senator Vincent Hughes (D-Phila.) said there is an office in City Hall and a web site set up to help college applicants.
"(The phone number is) 215-686-0315, and the web site is PhillyGoes2College.com."
How important is filling out the free form?
"There's almost a 90 percent correlation between filling out the form and going to college," said US Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa., in photo above).
The deadline for filling out the form is May 1st, but the earlier a student fills it out the greater his or her chance of securing more financial aid.
The "Philly Goes 2 College" office is located in Philadelphia City Hall, Room 115. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, or by appointment.
Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio 1060.
