The University of Kansas is offering Douglas County folks help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at no cost to the applicants.
Applying for financial aid can be daunting and present barriers to first-generation college students, especially. That’s why KU TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers are offering free public FAFSA assistance sessions for students and families in northeastern Kansas, according to a KU news release.
“There are numerous individuals who do not have the support at home,” Laura Thornburg, EOC academic adviser for Wyandotte County, said in the release. “It’s much easier if you’re working with somebody that’s done it over and over than if you’re trying to navigate it by yourself the first time. I think this program is a great resource to make it happen and help people actually follow through with going to school.”
Douglas County students and families can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with Melody Lawrence, academic adviser for Shawnee and Douglas counties, see what documents and information they need to complete their FAFSA, and learn more on the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs’ website, eoc-dsw.ku.edu/fafsa.
People living in Shawnee, Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Franklin counties can also use this FAFSA assistance program. Sessions will be offered at multiple in-person locations and virtually on Zoom.
Lawrence is available from 1 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. She takes walk-ins and appointments.
“I want people to know that, yes, there might be a barrier, but we’re here to help with that,” Lawrence said in the release. “And I always tell the people that I visit with I will help you as long as you want me.”
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