Seminar offered to help college hopefuls

PNT staff writer

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High School seniors will have the chance to get professional help on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. today at the Portales High School district computer lab.

The event is open to all high school seniors and is sponsored by PHS and Eastern New Mexico University.

“It is a win-win for students and their family as they will get one-on-one help from ENMU financial aid specialists,” said Thomas Tafoya, PHS guidance counselor.

Tafoya said it is the third year for the FASFA Free For All and students from Dora, Elida and students from other schools take advantage of the free service.

Betty Dever, ENMU financial aid specialist, said there will be eight to 10 professionals at the event and students don’t need an appointment.

“We can answer any questions families have about the form and we are also offering a $500 scholarship for the students who come to the event,” Dever said.

The scholarship can be used at any school the student chooses, Dever said. Dever said there will also be a drawing for gift cards.

Tafoya said students just need to have their Social Security number, W-2 forms for the previous year and other records of money earned, 2013 IRS 1040 tax returns and other 2013 income and benefits information.

“I know for families who own business or ranches, the FASFA can be a little more difficult and we can help with those questions,” Tafoya said.

For the previous three years of the event, Tafoya said about 20 to 30 students come to get help on the FASFA.

“The students can just come into the computer lab and fill out the online form and they are done and no longer have to worry about it,” Tafoya said.