College Goal Washington takes the headache out of financial aid

For Immediate Release
October 3, 2017

For additional information (media inquiries only):
Hannah Erickson, Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2954 E: herickson@clark.edu 

Annual event to be held at Clark College on Oct. 21

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver will again team up to host College Goal Washington, a free annual event that helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education. The event will be held in Scarpelli Hall on Clark College’s main campus from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21.

Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver’s College Goal Washington is the largest event of its kind in the state.

The event will also cover the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), which allows certain low-income, non-citizen students to apply for state financial aid. Spanish and Russian interpreters will be available. The event will also assist students with their college admission application(s).

The event is open to all students and families, no matter where a student plans to go to school. Whether a student chooses a four-year university, community college, or technical school, College Goal Washington can help make education more affordable. The FAFSA is considered the gateway to accessing financial aid resources such as federal and state grants, school loans, and scholarships. Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, families may begin submitting their FAFSA forms as early as October 1.

Family financial information is a key part of completing the form, so students and parents are encouraged to attend together. Typically the FAFSA form takes about 45 minutes to complete. Participants are encouraged to bring their Social Security Number and 2016 tax information, if available.

In addition to computer labs for completing the FAFSA, WASFA, and admissions applications, College Goal Washington will offer helpful workshops like “Getting to College & Succeeding,” “Paying for College/Financial Literacy,” “Scholarships,” and “Resources for Dreamers,” this last using a common term for students covered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, close to downtown Vancouver. Parking is free and widely available in the Orange Lot next to Scarpelli Hall. Maps and directions are available online.

Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP), or visit Penguin Union Building room 013 as soon as possible.

For more information about College Goal Washington, visit or call 360-992-2153 or www.clark.edu/go/cgw.