Pinellas Schools Help Students Navigate FAFSA Process
Pinellas County Schools are assisting students and their families with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The school district is hosting Financial Aid and Support Services nights at each school between October and December. This initiative aims to help students navigate the FAFSA process, which can now be completed in about 30 minutes.
FAFSA is a crucial step for students to graduate with less debt. It provides access to grants, work-study opportunities, scholarships, and loans for college and accredited trade schools. The FAFSA process can be overwhelming, but Pinellas County's College and Career coordinators break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Parents also need to create an FSA ID, but if they've done it for an older child, they can reuse that ID.
The FAFSA application period opens on October 1. The priority deadline for Florida students is May 15, 2026, and the federal deadline is June 30, 2026. It's important to note that Florida students miss out on about $300 million every year by not completing the FAFSA.
Pinellas County Schools are committed to helping students secure financial aid for their education. By offering support services and breaking down the FAFSA process, the school district aims to ensure that all eligible students apply and receive the financial assistance they deserve.
