• Dear Parents and Guardians,


    I hope this letter finds you well. As your child returns to school and begins his/her senior year, I am sure you will find yourself both excited and nervous about their future. Throughout the year, you will be provided with a great deal of information, due dates, and deadlines in preparation for graduation and post-secondary options for your child.

    One of the first things you and your child must consider is related to The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although college or trade school seems to be a distant thought, applying for financial aid for the 2025-26 school year begins in December 2024. The FAFSA is a critical step in determining eligibility for various financial aid programs, including federal, state, and institutional money for all post-secondary schooling.

    We understand families may be hesitant to apply for financial aid, however, we strongly encourage you to consider the potential benefits of completing the FAFSA application. The information provided on the FAFSA not only determines eligibility for financial aid but also opens doors to various scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. It is a valuable resource that can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education for your child and your family.

    To ensure that all students and their parents are well informed and supported throughout the financial aid process, Erie’s Public Schools will be offering several after school workshops to ensure an accurate and complete FAFSA application. (SEE INFO BELOW.) Additionally, seniors will receive support from their school counselor throughout the school year.
    We encourage you to stay connected by periodically checking your child’s school website, the new counselor page within the district website, Facebook, and the new messaging platform “Parent Square” for financial aid updates and information. As always contact your child’s school counselor for additional support.

    Sincerely,

    Mrs. Courtney Laver, MASupervisor of School Counseling
    claver@eriesd.org
    (814)874-6019
    Erie’s Public Schools

     

    Poster describing what you need to know about creating a StudentAid.gov account

     

    poster describing steps needed to create a StudentAid.gov account