Highline Public Schools participated for the first time in College Goal Sunday Washington. All four high school campuses opened their doors from 2:00-5:00 on Sunday, January 25. The career centers and libraries at each campus were filled with volunteers ready to help students and families navigate the complex, and often confusing, process of applying for financial aid for college.

Approximately 120 students and parents received an in-depth, line-by-line explanation of the FAFSA form and were able to submit the application online. Typically taking an hour or more to complete the form, both parents and students were appreciative of the assistance they received.

The event was sponsored by the Office of College and Career with coordination efforts led by school counselors Jennifer Fichamba at the Evergreen campus, Teresa Matthews at Mount Rainier, Jewel Robinson at the Tyee Educational Complex, and Amanda Zuber at Highline. Volunteers from a variety of community and professional organizations as well as district employees, the PTSA, and the School Board were on hand to help out.

Barbara Wilson of the Office of College and Career observed, "You could see the feeling of accomplishment and pride in both the student and parent as they all left the event with big smiles on their faces."

College Goal Sunday is a free, state-wide program that helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education. The FAFSA is the single-most important application for financial aid. Most students (63%) rely on financial aid to make attending college a reality. However, the paperwork can be confusing. At College Goal Sunday, students and parents were able to talk to experts and get in-depth help filling out the FAFSA.