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Josephs: Now's the time for college-bound students to seek financial aid opportunities

HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., is reminding students and their families that many deadlines are nearing for seeking financial aid resources for college.

"In spite of the downturn in the economy, many financial aid opportunities remain available to prospective and returning college students," Josephs said. "But first and foremost, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be completed as soon as possible because the information from the FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for a number of aid resources from the federal and state governments and the schools themselves."

Information from the FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal grants, the Pennsylvania State Grant program, scholarships, reduced-cost federal loans, work-study programs, and many school-based scholarships and financial aid programs. While the deadline to submit the FAFSA for most students seeking a State Grant is May 1, individual schools and scholarship programs often have different application deadlines.

Josephs said that another financial aid resource is the state House Scholarship program. Scholarships of up to $2,500 are available for students attending a Pennsylvania college, and each scholarship can be renewed each year, for a total of $10,000. To qualify, students must apply by April 1, complete an application and submit a written essay.

The House Scholarship program is funded by former and current House members and uses no taxpayer funding. The scholarship foundation and selection process is independently administered by the nonprofit The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Information on both the FAFSA and House Scholarship program is available from Josephs' office, 215-893-1515.

Students and families also can find more information about the FAFSA, as well as overviews, preparation worksheets and the online application at www.PHEAA.org/FAFSA. The Web site also offers a list of FAFSA completion workshops that will be held throughout the state through April to help assist students and families with their application.

Students also may apply for the House scholarship online at www.pahousescholarship.com.

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