GCC to hold FAFSA night

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Community College invites eligible college students and their families to fill out the free application for federal student aid.

GCC is joining the collaborative and hosting a College Goal-sponsored event on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Jacob Solin Center for Business Education.

“Many students and their families find filing for aid is a big challenge,” said State Education Superintendent Brian Whiston. “The good news is these Michigan College Goal events have experts who can guide families through the complex applications and help get the most benefits for students wanting to go to college.”

Michigan College Goal is a collaborative effort of the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Treasury, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association and EduGuide.

The program was created to increase the number of Michigan students who continue education beyond high school and earn post-secondary degrees.

The application is required of any student seeking financial aid, including grants, loans and many scholarships. They should file by the March 1 priority date to ensure eligibility for federal and state programs.

In 2014, more than 1,000 students received assistance at Michigan College Goal events. Statistics show students who complete and submit the forms are more likely to go on to college.

“Staff will be available to guide students and their parents through each step of completing and filing the FAFSA and to answers any questions or concerns,” said Sue Forbes, Director of Financial Aid at GCC, coordinator of the event.

Those 23 and younger should bring their parents and their own 2015 income data, federal income tax returns, if possible, or their W-2 and 1099 forms.

Those over 24 should bring your 2015 income information.

“Your income and your parents’ income are absolutely necessary to complete the form,” Forbes said. “The FAFSA is a federal standard form and this is the information that is required.”

What to bring:

—Federal Student Aid ID (formerly PIN number) you and your parents will both need a FSA ID.

—Social Security number.

—Parent or legal guardian’s Social Security number (if you are 23 or younger and a dependent).

—Driver’s license (if any).

—W-2 forms or other records of money earned.

—2015 Federal Income Tax Return (or 2014 if taxes aren’t done yet.)

—Spouse’s 2015 Federal Income Tax Return (if married.)

—Parents’ 2015 Federal Income Tax Return (of 2014 if taxes aren’t done yet.)

—2015 untaxed income records

—Social Security, temporary assistance to needy families, welfare, or veterans benefits records (if any.)

—2015 bank statements.

—2015 business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records

—Alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen.)

For more information, call the GCC Financial Aid office at 906- 307-1206 or visit micollegegoal.org.

—Tom Stankard