The Pedrozzi Foundation Hosts FAFSA Completion Workshop

From The Pedrozzi Foundation: The Pedrozzi Foundation is hosting a free workshop to provide hands-on-help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, in the library at Granada High School, 400 Wall Street, Livermore - drop in any time from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. The workshop is open to all Tri-Valley high school seniors and current college students.

Eighty-five percent of students have a chance of receiving some type of financial aid for college or vocational training, but they need to submit the FAFSA to be eligible. Each year $2 billion of federal financial aid goes unclaimed, often because students do not know they should apply for aid. Ninety-two percent of students from low-income households receive grants, which never have to be paid back.

“Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward receiving financial aid from the federal and state governments, colleges and many scholarship providers, so we recommend that all college students submit it annually,” says Carolyn Siegfried, Executive Director of the Pedrozzi Foundation. “Many students and families finish their FAFSA themselves, but if you need help, come to this free workshop.”

Students and at least one parent should create a FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) at FSAID.ed.gov prior to attending the workshop. Visit Pedrozzi.org for the full list of information to bring to the workshop and to access the FAFSA. Required information includes 2015 income tax information for student and parents, and most can automatically upload their tax return into the FAFSA. Private information will not be revealed to workshop volunteers.

Low- to middle- income families may qualify for federal and state grants, and students from families of all income levels need to complete the FAFSA to access federal student loans and work study funds. Many colleges require the FAFSA from students of all financial backgrounds for merit based scholarships. “It is important that students and families do not leave money on the table; submit the FAFSA,” adds Siegfried.

Free college exists in California. Cal Grants, funded by the state, cover the cost of tuition at California public universities. “For example, a student with at least a 3.0 GPA, from a family of four, with a household income up to $95,400 could receive a Cal Grant and attend a California State University or University of California campus tuition free. Low-income community college students can also attend school tuition free and receive a federal Pell Grant to help pay for housing and books,” explains Siegfried. Students from households with incomes up to $156,000 per year may be eligible for a California Middle Class Scholarship. Undocumented California students are not eligible for federal aid but can receive state aid so need to complete the California Dream Act application instead of the FAFSA. English and Spanish speaking volunteers will help attendees complete either application ahead of the March 2 deadline.

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Eastbay Consortium, Congressman Eric Swalwell, Assemblywoman Catharine Baker and Livermore Mayor John Marchand are proud sponsors of this valuable workshop.

The Pedrozzi Foundation awards community college, undergraduate, graduate and vocational scholarships to graduates of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, and the application deadline is March 1, 2017. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded $3.2 million in scholarships to 880 Livermore students.

The Foundation’s website, Pedrozzi.org, contains a wealth of information on paying for college and is the launching point for the Pedrozzi Scholarship applications.

For more information contact the Pedrozzi Foundation at 925-456-3700 or info@Pedrozzi.org.

ABOUT THE PEDROZZI FOUNDATION
The Pedrozzi Foundation provides college and vocational scholarships and resources to Livermore students. We believe that all students deserve the chance to pursue their educational and career goals and that the lack of finances or information should not be a barrier. Every day we create an impact by helping our students achieve their dreams. The Foundation was established by Mario Pedrozzi, a Livermore businessman, who left his estate as a gift to the community. Other community members are continuing Mr. Pedrozzi’s legacy by generously donating to this unique and high-impact community organization. Learn more at Pedrozzi.or

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