Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is reminding residents about “Start Here to Get There,” the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation’s (HESC) campaign for student financial aid awareness. The program encourages and helps families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in applying for free or low-cost federal and state aid for college.

“While the school year is not yet half over, many of our young people are preparing to take the next major step in their educational careers,” said McDonough. “Because students are focused on completing their senior year of high school and filling out numerous college application forms, they may not be aware of how crucial the FAFSA is to their education. Not only does it have the potential to open the door to a wealth of financial resources available from the state and federal governments, but many institutions use the form to help distribute their aid to students. Along with a college application, the FAFSA is one of the most valuable forms a family can complete as they prepare for their child’s higher education.”

Students and families can have their FAFSA questions answered by many outlets that are available throughout the month of January, including:

• online chat that will be available weekdays;
• a special toll-free HESC hotline, 1-800-808-1790, that will be open from noon to 5:00 p.m. weekdays; and
• e-mail assistance at FAFSAhelp@HESC.ny.gov

Additional resources regarding financial aid or completing the FAFSA can be found at HESC’s website, startheregetthere.org.