Buffalo leaders encourage families to file FAFSA applications
BUFFLAO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Local families with high school seniors and current college students are being reminded to apply for financial aid with the federal government.
But the FAFSA application has been mired in delays and other problems.
The college admission process can be stressful. City officials and local educators are trying to ease that stress, but that might be tough to do given the challenges going on with the FAFSA form.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams and other local education officials are reminding families to fill out the FAFSA form as soon as you can for next school year. The form is free and can be done online.
There is a new FAFSA form this year. But the rollout has been plagued by issues such as having difficulties submitting the application, delays and complaints of poor communication with the Biden administration.
Lawmakers say the delays have left millions of students in limbo. Local officials say there is support for families to get through the process.
“I am pleased to share that all of our Buffalo Public high schools are staffed with certified licensed school counselors who stand ready to help support this effort, we also have in our schools representatives from Say Yes Buffalo and they are intimately familiar with this complicated process, so please contact your school’s counselor they will be able to walk you through the process,” Williams said.
Students who complete the FAFSA form and the state’s Tuition Assistance Program are eligible for up to $13,000 annually to help pay for college.
“I would like to tell our students you are not alone I know that the process can be scary I know that the process is well I cannot do it reject that reject it immediately, because as you heard our superintendent say counselors are there,” said Eunice Lewin of SUNY’s Board of Trustees.
In Washington on Wednesday, the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce Development held a hearing on the botched roll out of the FAFSA application taking a look at the impact on students, families and schools.
On Thursday, there will be a college financial aid night at East Community High School in Buffalo from 5 to 7 p.m. Say Yes says FAFSA applications are down 14 percent in Buffalo compared to a year ago.
In School Assistance:
Say Yes and SUNY facilitate 1:1 and group support at Buffalo public and charter high schools during the school day.
Burgard high School / Wed & Fri, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Middle Early College HS / By appointment through school counselor
City Honors HS / Mon, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
L.J. Bennett HS / Tue & Thur, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Da Vinci HS / Mon, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Emerson HS / Fri, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Olmsted HS / Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – noon
Hutch Tech HS / Mon & Wed, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lafayette International HS / Thu, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
MST HS / Tue, 9:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. / Fri, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Buffalo Culinary HS / By appointment through school counselor / Tue & Thu, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Performing Arts HS / Tue & Thu, noon – 2:30 p.m.
Research Lab HS / Tue & Thu, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
All other Buffalo public and charter high schools by appointment through school counselor.
In addition, there is assistance throughout April at the BPS Parent Centers, listed below. The sessions are offered Monday through Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mondays / L.J. Bennett HS
Tuesdays / South Park HS or East Community High School
Wednesdays / Lafayette International HS
Thursdays / East Community HS
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