MAY 1^ST DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR STUDENT AID APPLICATION

 HARRISBURG, APRIL 25 – State Sen. Connie Williams reminds college-bound students and their parents that May 1^st is the deadline to for students seeking financial aid to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

 "This is the one application that opens the door to all types of need-based state and federal financial aid," Williams said. "If you miss the May 1^st deadline, you may miss out on valuable financial aid opportunities."

 The FAFAS is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, and many scholarships and institutional awards.

 For more information about the FAFSA students and families may visit www.pheaa.org/fafsa. This site also allows online access and a Web Worksheet to help applicants walk through the process. Students also may file online at www.educationplanner.org or www.fafsa.ed.gov. The U.S. Department of Education prefers students to file electronically and note that electronic filing is faster and easier. Those who prefer to file using a paper FAFSA may request the form by calling 1-800-433-3243.

 Those high school seniors who wish to be considered for the federal Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program must file their application for the scholarship program by May 1^st, as well. For more information about the program, visit PHEAA's Web site at www.pheaa.org.