St. Petersburg College Offers Guidance For Financial Aid Process

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Finances can often be a stumbling block to education, but many people are eligible for more financial aid than they may suspect. The process to apply for aid can be daunting, as well, so that’s why St. Petersburg College is hosting free Zoom events to offer virtual help for high school seniors and their parents, as well as current college students, who are navigating the process for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-2022 and/or the 2020-2021 academic years.

The online Fill It Out events will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, and Thursday, Nov. 19.

“This event provides families with the opportunity to get assistance from financial aid professionals,” said Todd Smith, SPC’s Executive Director of Financial Assistance Services. “We can answer any questions they may have and guide them through the process.”

Smith said families who attend events like this one are often surprised at how smooth and fast the process can be.

“Quite often, the financial aid process is about on par with completing your taxes, signing mortgage paperwork at closing or going to the dentist,” Smith said. “They eventually find out it isn’t as painful as they thought it would be.”

Attendees should come prepared to fill out the FAFSA by having the following information on hand to ensure a successful online submission.

For the 2021-2022 FAFSA:

For the 2020-2021 FAFSA:

Anyone who would like to attend a Fill It Out event to see what benefits they may be eligible for can register here.

Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in this activity, please call 727-341-7924 at least one week prior to the event.

For more information, go to spcollege.edu/financial-aid/apply-for-financial-aid.

This press release was produced by the St Petersburg College News. The views expressed are the author's own.