Human Services to Offer Student Financial Aid Workshops

By Cynthia Drummond for BRVCA
November 25th 2023

RICHMOND – The Richmond Department of Human Services will offer the first in a series of “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” or FAFSA, workshops on Nov. 28.

The workshops, which are free and open to residents of the three Chariho towns, will take place before the 2024-25 FAFSA application period opens in December to students who are planning to go to college or career training.x

Richmond Human Services Director Kate Schimmel explained that the workshops are funded by Gov. Dan McKee’s Learn365 program.

“We are very excited to be able to offer these workshops to our community through the Governor’s Learn365 grant,” Schimmel said. “Our hope is that they provide additional learning opportunities and resources locally for our community members. We encourage students, parents, and adult learners who are interested in post-secondary education, including career training, job-based learning and two and four - year degrees to participate. All are welcome join one or all the workshops offered.”

The United States Congress approved a new version of FAFSA, known as “Better FAFSA,” in 2020. Co-authored by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the new student aid program streamlines the application process and makes it accessible to more students.

FAFSA is available for a wide range of post-secondary learning programs, from job and career training to two and four-year college degrees, but completing the FAFSA application is a requirement in order to qualify for federal student aid.

Education consultant Geoff Decker, author of the FAFSA guide “Understanding FAFSA & Financial Aid: Your Guide to Paying for College” will be facilitating the workshops.

"Filling out the FAFSA is often an overlooked piece of the college application puzzle,” Decker said. “Yet if you want money to level-up your skills and education beyond high school, the FAFSA is the gateway to investing in your future. These free public workshops raise awareness and share important information about financial aid. I'm honored to be able to work with local municipalities like Richmond to get the word out." 

The first workshop, on Nov. 28, will show participants how to create a student aid account and explain the differences between the types of student aid, such as grants, scholarships and loans.

The workshop will take place at 6 p.m. at the Arcadia branch of the Ocean Community YMCA. Space is limited, but participants can reserve a spot at  FASFA sign-up.

There will also be a virtual workshop on Dec. 5. The registration form for the virtual event can be completed at:  https://lu.ma/chariho-fafsa

The workshops are part of a regional initiative to connect with all three Chariho communities.

"These educational workshops are one of the ways that we bring community members together to discuss and learn about issues and topics that are relevant to them," Schimmel said. "We're thrilled to sponsor these important programs to expand learning opportunities for our community."