Submitted by:

Grace Smith, USA Funds Services Edgardo Cornejo, Pima Community College

College Goal Sunday
Since 1995, College Goal Sunday has been dedicated to providing a roadmap for students to navigate their way through the financial aid process. The program has helped nearly 16,000 people complete the FAFSA and obtain financial aid. Thanks to College Goal Sunday 2004, which took place on February 8th at 21 sites across Arizona, college bound students received the assistance of financial aid experts in completing this year’s form.

Students who attended also had the chance to win one of 21 $150 scholarships, as well as prizes from some of Arizona’s professional sports teams, retailers, and restaurants. In addition, each of the 21 winners will be eligible for a statewide drawing for an additional $500 scholarship.

A huge THANK YOU to the many AASFAA members who volunteered their Sunday afternoon to this worthy community outreach program!

The success of College Goal Sunday can be attributed to the efforts of the many people who devote their time to this project. We would like to extend a special thanks to the regional and local site coordinators for their hard work and dedication in planning this event each year, and for hosting the sites. We would like to acknowledge Dr. April Osborn and the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education for their project coordination and the sponsors, Waddell & Reed, USA Funds and the Lumina Foundation. Last but not least, we would also like to extend a special thanks to B.J. Communications for their assistance with planning and the media campaign. We couldn’t have done it without the collaborative efforts of all of you!!!

Thomas J. Pappas School – WASFAA Conference Outreach
With the support of the WASFAA membership, we can make a difference in the lives of homeless children. Contributions of school supplies, books, and miscellaneous items will be accepted by the WASFAA Conference Committee at their spring conference, which will be held May 16, 2004 through May 18, 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Please visit www.WASFAA.org soon for additional information and a list of school needs.

“Approximately 2,400 homeless children live in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Arizona ....children who are desperately lacking in educational opportunities, medical care and food. The Thomas J. Pappas School serves over 1,700 homeless children each school year, in grades K-10, offering them relief from their impoverished conditions. The School provides the resources, the stability and the quality education necessary for these children to survive and break the cycle of poverty.”

You may visit the Thomas J. Pappas website at www.tjpappasschool.org or their foundation’s site by visiting www.therealgift.org.