The most common reason students drop out of college is due to financial strife, and the Women’s Success Center (WSC) at Utah Valley University is looking to help those seeking financial aid with FAFSA Fest, a twice-annual event.

 

The WSC will assist students filling out FAFSA forms and provide help writing scholarship essays on Oct. 30, in the Fulton Library, room 205, 206, and 213, between 4 and 6 p.m.

 

TRIO, a federal program, which emphasizes help for students with specific needs, and tutors from UVU’s Writing Center will also be there to assist with scholarship essays.

 

“Several students at UVU qualify for FAFSA and other scholarships but don’t apply,” said Jolene Merica, assistant director of the WSC. “At FAFSA Fest we will be guiding students on how to apply from start to finish, and simultaneously help students write and edit their scholarship essays.”

 

Merica says students interested in completing their FAFSA application should bring their 2017 tax returns and a current bank statement. If they are still their parents’ dependent, they need to bring their parents’ tax returns.

 

According to 2016 UVU institutional research, 52 percent of students at UVU were awarded financial aid.  About half of all students at UVU work more than 21 hours a week, and 21 percent support at least one child.

 

University Marketing & Communications

 

Scott Trotter

801-863-6807 | [email protected]

Barb Smith

801-863-5274 | [email protected]

 

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About the Women’s Success Center

The Women’s Success Center was established in 2011 by then-President Matthew S. Holland. The center offers women the support and resources they need to complete their degree. This support can come in the form of scholarships, success coaching, child care, and student advocacy. Ultimately, the center aims to remove barriers to help students navigate the landscape of higher education.

 

 

About Utah Valley University

At 39,282 students and growing, Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah, and one of a few in the nation offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. UVU’s unique model, which focuses on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs, and faculty-mentored research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds.