United Way of Frederick County and community partners are providing FAFSA and financial aid application assistance and guidance to FCPS students and parents!
United Way of Frederick County is committed to supporting Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) students and families by increasing access to financial aid resources and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) assistance. Through partnerships with local colleges and nonprofit organizations, we’re helping FCPS host FAFSA Finish events to provide guidance for students and families as they create, complete, and submit their FAFSA forms—an essential step in securing federal and state aid for college. By working together, we aim to empower more students in Frederick County to achieve their higher education goals.
FAFSA Finish events are completely FREE to attend. Financial aid experts will be present at all events to answer questions.
If you're interested in more information on financial aid before attending a FAFSA Finish event, FCPS will be hosting financial aid information nights in addition to the FAFSA Finish events. To find information on these information sessions, please click here.
*FAFSA Finish events are open to ALL students of any FCPS school, regardless of the location of the workshop.
*A Spanish interpreter will be available at the December 12th event at Frederick High School. If you have questions or need accommodations for other events, please contact Landen Lombardo at llombardo@uwfrederick.org.
In order to complete your FAFSA application at the selected event date and time, you will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at least FIVE days prior to the FAFSA Finish event.
*If this is not done five days prior to your appointment, you will be unable to complete and submit the FAFSA form at your scheduled time.
In addition, to complete the FAFSA at the event, you MUST bring your 2023 Federal Tax returns for the student and parent(s) as well as W-2's for both the student and parent(s).
To get started on your FAFSA now, please click here.
For tutorials on completing the steps above or getting started on your FAFSA, please view the video resources linked in the section below.
Please use the videos linked below as a resource to get started on your FAFSA prior to attending your FAFSA Finish event.
All students who attend a FAFSA Finish event will be entered to win the applicable scholarships listed below. Scholarships will be randomly selected by the providing organization.
- The Community Foundation of Frederick County - The Community Foundation will provide one $2,000 scholarship to a participant in this year's FAFSA Finish.
- The student may be attending any post-secondary educational setting of their choice (two- or four-year college, trade or technical school), but must be a Frederick County, MD resident.
- Frederick Community College (FCC) - FCC has committed to offering four $500 scholarships to 4 lucky students who attend a FAFSA Finish event and enroll at FCC.
- Funds will be posted to their FCC student account, not awarded to them directly.
- Hood College - Hood College will provide one $1,500 scholarship to a FAFSA Finish participant.
- The student must apply and be admitted into Hood College, and decide to attend Hood to access scholarship funds.
- Mount St. Mary's University - The Mount will provide one $1,000 scholarship to a FAFSA Finish participant.
- The student must apply and be admitted into Mount St. Mary's University, and decide to attend The Mount to access scholarship funds.
United Way of Frederick County is thrilled to partner with the following organizations to provide FAFSA assistance to students and their families in Frederick County.
- Frederick County Public Schools
- The Community Foundation of Frederick County
- Mount St. Mary's University
- Hood College
- Frederick Community College
Want to attend a FAFSA Finish event, but need transportation? We can help!
If you need transportation to attend one of the above events, please contact Serena Balassi at sbalassi@uwfrederick.org.
Transit may also be an option to attend the FAFSA Finish events. Please check available routes HERE. *Transit is always FREE to use.
