Helping get student FAFSA applications done.

Many college-bound students and their families are up against deadlines for applying for financial aid next year. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application is famously cumbersome. Indeed, just to get more young people on the path to college, Washington made it a priority to simplify the form.

There is help to be found in many communities, too. Citi Foundation recently partnered with the Center for Economic Progress to expand its Financial Aid U program assisting low-income and first-generation students with the complex application requirements. In addition to a $600,000 grant, 50 Citi volunteers are putting their financial expertise to work to help complete forms. Last tax season, the Center for Economic Progress completed 730 FAFSA forms that helped secure $4 million in financial aid.

In The New York Times' blog, The Choice, and elsewhere, there's a continuing spotlight on the critical nature of student aid and how the complexity of the process often keeps students who need funding the most from ultimately receiving it. We are pleased to play a role in making the process easier.

Read our news release here.