(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 28, 2004) – College or career training can be the biggest adventure of a person’s life – meeting new people, experiencing new ideas, gaining new independence and achieving an education that leads to a rewarding career.

With rising costs of obtaining a college education, college bound students need to map out their financial resources. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step to help students obtain funding for their education. Thanks to College Goal Sunday 2004, a FREE financial aid workshop that takes place at 21 sites across Arizona (including Phoenix College), college bound students can complete the FAFSA with the assistance of Financial Aid experts.

In addition, one lucky student attending the workshop at Phoenix College will be selected to receive a $150 College Goal Sunday Site Scholarship. Site Scholarship winners are eligible to win one of two grand-prize $500 scholarships.

Since 1995, College Goal Sunday has been dedicated to providing a roadmap for students to navigate their way through the financial aid process. The program has helped nearly 16,000 people.

There are four simple steps that Arizona students should follow when participating in College Goal Sunday 2004:

--Mark your calendars and plan on visiting the Phoenix College campus on Sunday, Feb. 8. The event gets underway at 2 p.m.

--If you’re 23 or younger, single, and have no dependents, bring a parent. Parents can attend with their student or may come in place of the student. Students and parents should bring their 2003 tax return forms, W-2 form or other relevant 2003 income information.

--If you’re 24 or older, are married, or have dependents, you may attend without a parent. Bring your 2003 tax return form, W-2 form or other relevant 2003 income information.

--Arrive promptly at 2 p.m. in order to have plenty of time to complete the form and to get your questions answered.

College Goal Sunday 2004 is offered as a free service thanks to the following sponsors: Waddell & Reed, USA Funds and the Lumina Foundation for Education. The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education and the Arizona Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators are responsible for coordinating the event.

College Goal Sunday 2004 volunteers will provide FAFSA forms, pencils and refreshments.

For more information, call 1-877-997-8300 or visit www.collegegoalsunday.com.

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