COUNTDOWN ON TO FAFSA OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD

HARRISBURG, DEC. 20 – State Sen. Connie Williams reminds college-bound students that Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, can be submitted beginning Jan. 1^st for the 2008-09 academic year.

"The FAFSA is the first step toward applying for all types of student loans and grants on the federal and state level," Williams said. "With the online application, it is even easier to complete the document and get your results. Earlier financial aid information is useful for students who want to meet early application deadlines at colleges and universities."

For information on FAFSA and how to complete the application online, students should visit www.pheaa.org/fafsa. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, or PHEAA, plans to host FAFSA Completion Workshops in January.