Deadlines for submitting the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application vary by state and program and the application process can be daunting. The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), part of the U.S. Department of Education (ED), awards more than $120 billion in grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans each year. They also provide extensive resources for young people, families, and nonprofit youth-serving organizations on the types of assistance available and how to apply.
FSA’s Financial Aid Toolkit for Counselors has valuable information for learning about student aid, conducting outreach to raise students’ awareness about financial aid, locating training and conference opportunities, and more. Students and families can visit StudentAid.gov to fill out the FAFSA application and get in-depth help on completing the form. FSA also has information resources specifically for homeless youth (PDF) to help them navigate the federal student aid system and successfully apply for grants, loans, or work-study programs.