AUSTIN, Texas—The Austin Chamber of Commerce encourages high school seniors to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opened today, Oct. 1, and can be accessed at FAFSA.gov.

High school seniors should submit their applications by the Texas priority aid deadline, Jan. 15, to maximize chances of receiving need- or merit-based scholarships and grants tied to the FAFSA.

The Chamber's efforts to ensure high school seniors submit a FAFSA are part of Opportunity Austin's Direct-to-College 70 program—a multi-chamber, multi-school district commitment to enroll 70 percent of the Class of 2020-2021 directly in higher education.

"Filing a FAFSA guarantees all high school seniors have the best chance at receiving financial aid to help pay for college," said Chamber President and CEO Laura Huffman. "The Chamber and its school district partners are offering more than 40 free virtual events where families can receive guidance in order to complete the FAFSA. Making college more affordable is an important first step in ensuring a highly skilled workforce for the region's growing economy."

In addition to hosting virtual events to help students complete financial aid paperwork, the Chamber will host contests on social media to incentivize students to sign up for the events.

Free assistance for families needing to complete forms is available through Dec. 18. Students who need help filing a FAFSA can register to attend a virtual event at collegeinsight.com.

Background
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Austin, Hutto, Leander, Pflugerville, and Round Rock independent school districts, hosts more than 40 financial aid events each year where trained, volunteer members of the community provide assistance to students and their families in filling out the FAFSA. The FAFSA allows students and their families to apply for federal financial aid to help pay for post-secondary education. Awards are need-based, and preference is given to students who file before the priority deadline.

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