A program we'll be participating in from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, will show college-bound students how to turn their dreams of paying for an education into reality.

TTU is one of 17 institutions across the state participating in College Goal Sunday, a free program to help families of college-bound students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Anyone who wishes to attend can register online at www.collegegoalsundaytn.org.

“The FAFSA is important because it’s the application all eligible students have to fill out in order to qualify for Pell grants, Tennessee Hope lottery scholarships, work-study and other grants,” says Judy Riggsbee, assistant director of Financial Aid. “The earlier students apply, the better their chances of getting assistance because some programs run out early.”

The form can be filed either by mail or online, but online filing is faster, says Debbie Maynard, associate director of Financial Aid.

Our session — which will be held in Clement 212 — will provide computer access to participants who wish to file their applications online. The session will open with a presentation about frequently asked questions and avoiding scholarship scams.

“The application is free, and students should never pay someone for completing it,” Riggsbee says.

Although students are not required to have chosen the specific institution they want to attend in order to participate, they do need to bring financial documentation — such as 2005 tax returns, bank statements, year-end pay stubs and other income information — with them.

In order to complete online filing the day of the session, both students and parents need to have a FAFSA personal identification number. To apply for a FAFSA pin, go to www.pin.ed.gov. The application process takes only a few minutes, and the pin needed for further use will be e-mailed within a few days.

For more information, call Financial Aid at 3073.