Thomas Williams, PLANit Sarasota Director
The month of October is an important and busy time for high school seniors, their families, college-career and financial aid advisers, and all of us involved in preparing students to advance in their education and life plan.
Promoted as College Knowledge Month across America, October is when high school seniors are encouraged to actively prepare for the next phase of their lives, including funding their postsecondary education.
The open application period for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened Oct. 1. Throughout this month and beyond, a community collective effort will include financial aid advising and open houses, some virtual and some in person, to provide families and students with convenient resources and help.
Completing the FAFSA is a critical first step for students to apply for Pell Grant dollars and other federal, state and philanthropic grants and scholarships that help pay for college, including some technical college programs.