News
Financial Aid Awareness Proclamation
Trenton, NJ – Governor Jon S. Corzine issued a Proclamation designating February 2nd through the 8th as Financial Aid Awareness Week, culminating with College Goal Sunday on February 8, 2009. The Governor’s Proclamation reinforces his commitment to making and keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Towards this end, the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) will deliver over $1.35 billion this year in financial assistance to New Jersey students, enabling thousands to realize their educational, personal, and professional goals. Since 1959, HESAA has assisted an estimated 5 million students with approximately $10 billion in State and federal financial aid. Among the financial aid programs administered by HESAA are the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and Part-time TAG for Community College Students programs, NJSTARS and STARS II, the Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished and Urban Scholars Award, and the NJCLASS program. Close to 260,000 students benefitted from HESAA administered programs last year.
Volunteers from HESAA, the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, and the New Jersey Association of Financial Aid Administrators will be on hand for College Goal Sunday, offering assistance in English and Spanish. This free event is an opportunity for students and their families to receive assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and to obtain information about financial aid. “Given the difficult economy, and the importance of a college degree to compete in our global marketplace, completing the FAFSA is a crucial step for many students and their families,” said Michael Angulo, Executive Director of HESAA. In past years, hundreds of students who may not have otherwise completed the FAFSA, attended College Goal Sunday and received assistance with their applications.
College Goal Sunday will be held at 9 locations throughout the State including Camden County College, New Jersey City University, Long Branch High School, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Ocean County College, Passiac County Community College, Kean University, and Mercer County Community College. Visit www.njcollegegoalsunday.org for more information.
Since 1959, HESAA, a non-profit, state designated Authority, has delivered over $10 billion in financial aid. Each year, over 1 million individuals receive assistance from outreach and aid programs administered by HESAA including the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program, the Part-time TAG for County College Students, NJSTARS and STARS II, the Coordinated Garden State Scholarship program, the Federal Family Education Loan program, NJCLASS, and NJBEST. For additional information about HESAA please visit our website at www.hesaa.org or call our toll-free hotline at 800-792-8670.