In recognition of February’s designation as Financial Aid Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is cohosting a free workshop with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to guide college-bound students and their families in successful completion of the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
“We want college-bound students and their families to understand that they must file their 2026-27 FAFSA promptly,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA Board Chairman. “This is the first step in determining qualification for a Federal Pell Grant, PA State Grant, scholarships, institutional awards, and federal student loans. At PHEAA, we’re pleased to join PDE in assisting these students and families in overcoming any challenges in successfully completing and submitting the FAFSA.”
All students and contributors (such as parents and spouses) must establish their Federal Student Aid.gov Accounts at StudentAid.gov/fsa-id/create-account prior to attending this event.
The FAFSA Completion Workshop will be held on Thursday, February 5, at PHEAA Headquarters, 1200 N Seventh Street, Harrisburg. Walk-ins are welcome, but since there are a limited number of laptops available, families are strongly encouraged to register for a session. There will be three 40-minute sessions offered—at 5:00 PM, 5:40 PM, and 6:20 PM (ET).
“Families experience many unique situations which can make successful completion of the FAFSA form a challenge,” said James H. Steeley, PHEAA President and CEO. “This free workshop provides them in-person assistance from financial aid experts who understand the challenges they’re facing. The FAFSA is the application for most types of financial aid, so successful submission is critical.”
PHEAA also provides free FAFSA resources online and offers a free FAFSA toolkit to aid counselors and partners in assisting students and families with FAFSA completion.
