To help meet this national goal and lower the barriers to higher education, the U.S. government has created a shorter, simpler financial aid application form. Spring Branch ISD students and parents can learn more about the streamlined Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and other financial aid matters during meetings that begin this month. These important sessions will be offered on a regular basis at the high schools or other convenient locations through February 29, 2012.

Simplifying the federal student aid application process makes it easer for students and families to access funds for postsecondary studies. For the 2012-13 academic year, students could began filing their FAFSAs on Jan. 1, 2012.

What is FAFSA?

All college students are expected to contribute to their own educational costs., but how much you and your family will be expected to pay depends on your financial situation — or what is called your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for college expenses. It also determines eligibility for need-based federal Pell grants and other student financial aid options.
As a part of this process, you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) will be asked to complete a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as your family income, assets and other household information. Students and their families are being encouraged this year to apply online. An updated online FAFSA format has fewer questions than in past years, as well as a more user-friendly interface and navigation system, the Education Department reports.

The FAFSA form is submitted to and then processed by the U.S. Department of Education. The results are electronically transmitted to college financial aid offices that are listed on a student’s application.

How can I learn more about FAFSA?

Spring Branch ISD is offering financial aid and FAFSA workshops for students and families through February 29th.  Below is a listing of workshop times, dates and information to assist parents and students. For more information, please contact Hortencia Vega, SBISD Coordinator of Post-Secondary Guidance & Counseling Programs, at 713-251-1992.

• FAFSA website Complete the FAFSA online or the FAFSA4caster
• PIN   Obtain a PIN number (electronic signature needed to complete the FAFSA online)
• Student Aid on the Web Find information from the U.S. Department of Education on funding your education
• College for All Texans Find information on Texas grant programs and about other exemptions and waivers
• Texas Net Calculator Check out this calculator that can help families with a rough approximation of financial aid.  This should now be available at all college websites also.
• Scholarships Utilize this Listing of scholarship search engines and scholarship listing sorted by deadlines to begin the scholarship application process.

FAFSA Workshops Feb. 8-29

February 8
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-1992
Register by email:  hortencia.vega@springbranchisd.com
Location: Administrative Building 6:00 - 8:00 PM

February 15
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-1503
Register by email:  daedrianne.rhodes@springbranchisd.com
Location: Academy of Choice - during school day

February 15
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-1830
Register by email:  stephanie.gutierrez@springbranchisd.com
Location: Westchester Academy 6:30 PM  

February 15
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-3150
Register by email: lawanda.jenkins@springbranchisd.com
Location: Spring Woods High School 5-6:30 PM

February 21
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-2541
Register by email: darla.shirley@springbranchisd.com
Location: Memorial High School 6:00 PM

February 22
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students - Spanish Speaking
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-3150
Register by email: lawanda.jenkins@springbranchisd.com
Location: Spring Woods High School 5-6:30 PM

February 27
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-2841
Register by email: anne.styler@springbranchisd.com
Location: Northbrook High School 6:00 PM

February 28
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-2841
Register by email: anne.styler@springbranchisd.com
Location: Northbrook High School 6:00 PM

February 28
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-1830
Register by email:  stephanie.gutierrez@springbranchisd.com
Location: Westchester Academy 3:30 PM

February 29
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-3654
Register by email:  jean.borzik@springbranchisd.com
Location: Stratford High School 6:00 PM

February 29
Workshop: FAFSA Workshop for SBISD Parents and Students
(Must bring: Income Tax Return, SSN, etc)
Registration Required
Register by phone:  713-251-3150
Register by email:  lawanda.jenkins@springbranchisd.com
Location: Spring Woods High School 5-6:30 PM