CONTACT: Adam Cirucci
1-610-692-2112

April 18, 2007 WEST CHESTER – State Sen. Andy Dinniman reminds Pennsylvania families that the deadline for most college-bound students to apply for the Pennsylvania State Grant aid for the upcoming school year is May 1.

“Many Pennsylvania students rely on financial assistance to receive a college education, so I encourage them to take the steps to apply for state grant aid now, before it’s too late,” Dinniman said. “This is an opportunity that should not be missed. Students who qualify may receive up to $4,500 in state aid this year.”

The May 1 deadline is for students seeking to renew their state grant aid (2006-07 recipients), regardless of their program of study, and for all other applicants enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs, including those in college transfer programs at two-year community or junior colleges.

For students seeking state grant aid for the first time who plan to enroll in business or trade schools, hospital schools of nursing or two-year non-transferable programs at community colleges, the application deadline is Aug. 1.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the federal processor to be considered for a 2007-08 state grant.

Paper applications may be obtained from high school counselors and college financial aid offices or by calling the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-4-FED-AID. The FAFSA serves as the application for both the Federal Pell Grant and the Pennsylvania State Grant.

“The paper application must be received by the deadline, so I urge students to allow enough time for mailing,” Dinniman said.

Additionally, PHEAA has partnered with Federal Student Aid to make applying for financial aid even easier for families who do not have access to the Internet. Tele-FAFSA will permit you to receive personal assistance over the telephone while having your application completed and submitted for processing. Just call 1-800-433-3243 and identify yourself as a “Tele-FAFSA filer.”

In addition to state and federal assistance, there are numerous opportunities for financial aid that students and their families can explore as they look at schools.

“I recommend that students and their familiesHome | Biography | Newsroom | Links | Contact | Webmasterthe financial aid offices of the colleges and universities they are interested in attending for financial aid options through that school,” Dinniman said.

For more information about FAFSA and a link to a FAFSA application, visit the US Department of Education web site at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

Constituents may also visit the senator’s office at 1 N. Church St. in West Chester, call at 610-692-2112 or e-mail the senator at andydinniman@pasenate.com.