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Financial Aid Events

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Site coordinator support and resources for financial aid, FAFSA and MN Dream Act events.

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Overview

Who can participate: All Minnesota high schools and postsecondary institutions are welcome to host events. Many sites offer multiple events - or open them to the public to increase financial aid knowledge and FAFSA/MN Dream Act submission in the state.

Site expectations: Site Coordinators schedule a date and time for their financial aid event to inform and/or assist students and families with learning about the aid process or submitting the FAFSA or Dream Act applications. For data reporting purposes, registered events run October 1 to February 15. Sites are asked to complete a site coordinator survey when their event(s) have concluded.

Social media hashtags: #MNGoesToCollege #IAppliedMN #MNFAFSA 

Why Host Financial Aid Events?
  • To help establish and/or build upon a culture of career and college-readiness in Minnesota and support our state's Educational Attainment Goal.
  • To provide necessary support to Minnesota students and families who have historically been underrepresented in the postsecondary education process.
  • To increase the number of Minnesota students who complete the FAFSA or Dream Act.
adult male helps students on computers
Person using a laptop on their lap.

Event Planning and Promotion

Promotional materials provided by Minnesota Goes to College: social media guide & Ready, Set, FAFSA.
FAFSA Event Toolkit: student worksheets and event materials
Site coordinator training opportunities, including FAFSA and MN Dream Act Training.
FAFSA Event inspiration from other Minnesota site coordinators

Additional Resources

Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MAFAA)
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
  • Train-the-Trainer Materials - PowerPoint slides, Q and A, recording links from 24-25 FAFSA and Dream Act Training (December 2023)
  • Publications  - Order free publications for your event(s): FAFSA & MN Dream Act, Grants & Scholarships
  • Minnesota FAFSA Tracker - This tool aids high school counselors and college access programs in providing targeted outreach to students filing the FAFSA.