Hello [~FirstName~]! Most students would tell you they'd like a few extra bucks for school. Scholarships can be tough to get and most students prefer something they don't have to pay back.

Try the scholarships - like FCS - then take a look at grants. The next FCS 10k scholarship drawing is on April 30th. Click Here to Register

In this newsletter we'll discuss the ins and outs of Pell grants. When it comes to grants, the PELL grant is one you will definitely want to shoot for. This is a U.S. Department of Education grant of up to $4,731 per year to full-time and part-time students. Over $16B in funds was available in 2008 - make sure you don't miss out in 2009!.

Don't Pay It Back
Because this is a grant, the money does not have to be paid back. And once you have been approved for a PELL grant for your first year of college, although you must reapply every year, the chances are very good you will get the grant for your second and later years as well.

5,400 College and Universities
PELL grants can be obtained through 5,400 participating colleges, universities, and other participating institutions. In other words you can attend just about any post-secondary school you wish.

Eligibility and Determining Financial Need
The Pell is a need-based grant. Therefore you must qualify. The Department of Education has done a good job of providing formulas for determining eligibility and many people are surprised at how easily they qualify. To get an overview of the program, search the internet using the key words PELL GRANT PROGRAM. “Financial need is determined by the U. S. Department of Education using a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the financial information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).” Go online to www.FAFSA.ed.gov. to complete the FAFSA application. Then go to the ED.gov site to apply for a PELL grant.

After filing a FAFSA and applying for the PELL grant, the student receives a Student Aid Report (SAR), or the institution receives an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). These notify the student and the college that he or she is eligible for and has received a Federal Pell Grant.

Institutional Designation
College and university financial aid advisors can help you to understand the PELL grant regulations and application process. When you complete the FAFSA form, you will need to designate the institution where you will be going to school. The school will receive your PELL grant money from the Department of Education. Then the award money is either credited to your account with the school or the college sends a check to you. If you are not sure where you will be going to college, indicate the institution that you will probably attend. You can change your designated college once your application for the grant is approved, but it must be done before school starts.

Grant Amounts
The amount of PELL grants vary, but for those attending state colleges and universities they usually cover the money needed for tuition, fees, and books. Some find they can also pay for all or much of their room and board as well.

That's all for this week. Do not forget to register for the April 30th FCS scholarship drawing, and stay tuned for next week's newsletter!

Good Luck!
FCS Scholarships

In this Issue

1. FCS Scholarship
2. Keep the Grant!
3. 5,400 Colleges
4. SP Scholarship
5. Eligibility
6. Which School?
7. Grant Amounts
8. April Drawing