October 4, 2021— Caps and gowns, senior photos and graduation announcements are all on the distant horizon for Amarillo ISD seniors. One to-do item that seniors and families need to prioritize this fall is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
Beginning this school year, every graduating senior in AISD is required to complete either a FAFSA or a TASFA.
“The reason it’s being made a requirement for graduation in AISD is because there was just so much money being left on the table every year,” said Tracey Morman, AISD Director of Counseling/College & Career Readiness and Title IX Coordinator.
“Another reason is that even if a student doesn’t plan to attend college, they should at least complete the application for the financial aid,” Morman said. “Life changes. Plans today are replaced by new plans tomorrow, and by filling out the financial aid application you’re putting yourself in a position to use those funds if and when you need them.”
Morman urges seniors and families to begin the aid application process this fall and not wait until the approaching deadlines in 2022 draw near. January 15, 2022, is the priority application deadline to ensure you are eligible to receive the most funding possible for this cycle of financial aid.
“There are different deadlines in Texas for public and private colleges,” Morman said. “For colleges in other states, the deadline to submit FAFSA varies, so students should check with all the schools they are applying to and make sure to have the forms submitted by the earliest date possible.”
Financial Aid Workshop Events at AISD High Schools
If seniors or parents of seniors need hands-on help, each campus will have Financial Aid Workshop events designated for students and parents. Simply bring your 2020 tax documents and income information (tax returns and W2’s), Social Security Numbers and dates of marriage/divorce/separation/widow status.
Financial aid reps from the local colleges will also be available to answer any questions. This is not an informational event. The purpose is to provide hands-on assistance during the event to help seniors and families fill out the online financial aid application.
Seniors and families can visit https://www.amaisd.org/FinancialReadiness to learn more about FAFSA, TASFA, scholarships, begin the financial aid application process, and view dates and times for each high school’s Financial Aid Workshop events.
If AISD families have questions about the financial documents to bring to the event, or have questions about other topics related to financial aid or the workshop events, please contact the school’s CCMR Coordinator below for more information.
Each high school provides bilingual assistance.
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Amarillo High School: Ashley Maria 806-326-2016
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October 5, 2021, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Sandie Center/Library area
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November 30, 2021, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Sandie Center/Library
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Caprock High School: Abby Ortega 806-326-2232
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Palo Duro High School: Sandra Gonzalez 806-326-2424
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Tascosa High School: Nydia Sotelo 806-326-2640
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