DSCC hosts FAFSA Fever for financial aid

Temperatures are rising at Dyersburg State Community College, with students, parents and counselors participating in FAFSA Fever now through Feb. 12.

Last year, DSCC hosted its first FAFSA Fever to aid students and potential students in filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The result? An 85 percent increase over the year before in Tennessee Student Assistance Awards to DSCC students and the chance for 10 applicants to earn $100 from the college.

Residents who wish to receive a Tennessee Student Assistance Award for the Fall 2010 semester - including Lottery Scholarship funds - must submit their FAFSA by Feb. 15, a full two weeks earlier than last year's deadline.

To make students aware of financial aid filing deadlines and to help them receive as much financial aid as possible, the college will provide financial aid professionals to assist local residents. Professionals will be available in room A138 from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, and during College Goal Sunday from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, in the Student Center on the Dyersburg campus.

The FAFSA requires tax information from the 2009 fiscal year. Residents who earn an adjusted gross income of less than $42,000 and need assistance filing their tax returns may take advantage of another program at DSCC.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, located in the Learning Resource Center, is offered as a part of DSCC's membership in the Family Self-Sufficiency Alliance of West Tennessee. The site provides free tax-filing services for those area taxpayers who qualify from 5-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Through Feb. 12, LRC Dean Teresa Johnson will assist any DSCC student who qualifies for the VITA program with filing tax forms during regular LRC hours.

As an additional incentive, the college will give away $100 to 10 DSCC students through a random drawing if 1,000 DSCC students (including DSCC's Dual Enrollment students) fill out their FAFSA by Feb. 12. Winners will be announced at the FAFSA Fever celebration on Friday, Feb. 26. Students do not need to be present to win.