West Chester, Pa (February 4, 2026) – High school seniors and their families are invited to attend a free FAFSA workshop organized by State Senator Carolyn Comitta on the morning of Saturday, February 14, at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used by students each year to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid for college or career school. It determines eligibility for work-study funds, need-based scholarships, loans, and private and public grant programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, the Pennsylvania State Grant, and the PATH Program.
The FAFSA serves as the largest source of student financial aid, providing over $120 billion annually in federal grants, work-study funds, and loans to nearly 10 million students. However, filling it out can be a lengthy process.
“Filling out the FAFSA is the first step to financial aid and making your dream of higher education and post-secondary success a reality,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “We’re organizing this free event so applicants can get hands-on assistance from experts in completing the FAFSA properly and submitting it on time.”
At the event, representatives from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will be on hand to provide one-on-one support and assistance in completing the FAFSA. Spanish language translation services will be available.
Two sessions – 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. – will be available on Feb. 14 for students and families seeking information and assistance. Advance registration is required at pasenatorcomitta.com/fafsa Register now because space is limited.
The Pennsylvania high school class of 2023 left an estimated $129 million in Pell grants on the table by not completing the FAFSA – dollars that students do not have to repay.
The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30. However, different states and different post-secondary institutions have different deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize eligibility for grants and work-study funds, some of which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The FAFSA Completion deadline for access to the PA State Grant and special programs is May 1st (first-time college students at 4-year PA schools).
August 1st is the FAFSA completion deadline for PA State Grant eligibility at 2-year and business/technical colleges.
For more information on the FAFSA, visit pheaa.org/college-planning/fafsa
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