On Sept. 16, seniors and their families gathered in the library for an informative workshop on the college financial aid process. The event was hosted by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and designed to support students in dealing with college finances after graduation.
The presentation covered everything from how financial need is calculated to how schools determine aid packages. Attendees also received an in-depth look at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form that opens Oct. 1 and is required by most colleges and universities to qualify for federal grants and loans.
Like many of her classmates, senior Stephanie Fussner is in the heat of making important decisions about her future after high school.
“In general, I feel like I’m behind, which you can’t really be behind as long as you’re working toward it. But, I was very nervous about [the financial aid process] and the workshop kind of helped,” Fussner said.
The event served as a resource for students and parents, who were potentially unfamiliar with the financial aid process. The speaker from the scholarship foundation, Teresa Steinkamp, discussed various loan options and shared information on how scholarships, grants and need-based aid can reduce the overall cost of college.
Fussner and her family were concerned about the importance of comparing college options and financial aid packages. Being able to have a group like The Scholarship Foundation come and explain this to both sides aided her in understanding the bigger picture of college finances.
“As a senior, I’m trying to figure out college-wise what’s best for me, [considering] the cost and the education value, and having [The Scholarship Foundation] as a continued resource was very helpful because we have their contact information,” Fussner said.
In addition, West High’s college and career counselor, Chris Lorenz, was present in the workshop, asking questions and helping guide the discussion. Lorenz often assists students with the college application and financial aid processes.
“I think events like this do help to highlight the need for students to start to engage more with the process of college applications, which is why we have events like that scheduled throughout the fall,” Lorenz said.