WILLIAMS REMINDS STUDENTS OF MAY 1 AND AUGUST 1 APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR STATE HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS

Harrisburg, April 21, 2003 – State Sen. Connie Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) today reminded eligible student applicants that May 1 is the deadline to submit applications to receive Pennsylvania State Grant assistance for the 2003-04 school year.

Williams said qualified Pennsylvania students with financial needs may be eligible for a grant of up to $3,300 to attend universities or colleges in the Commonwealth, based on the amounts awarded last year. Students who attend schools outside Pennsylvania may receive a maximum grant of $600.

Half-time students who have enrolled for at least six credits may receive up to $1,650 at a Pennsylvania school and $300 outside the commonwealth.

The May 1 deadline for filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applies to students who are renewing a current grant and to all new applicants who plan to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs or college transfer programs at two-year community or junior colleges. Eligible students must establish they have financial needs and plan to be undergraduate students at postsecondary schools approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

August 1 is the FAFSA filing deadline for first-time applicants who plan to enroll in a business, trade or technical school, a hospital school of nursing, or a two-year non-transferable program at a community, junior, or four-year college.

Williams noted that FAFSA -- the only form that needs to be completed to receive the state grants -- is available through high school guidance counselors, college and university financial aid offices, online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or by calling the federal education department, toll-free, at 1-800-433-3243.

“I strongly encourage every student who thinks that he or she may qualify for this assistance to obtain an FAFSA form, fill it out, and submit it as soon as possible,” Williams said. “Students should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to help them pay for higher education.”

Williams added that persons interested in additional information should contact her district office at 610-992-9790.