Citing the economic crisis, Elenita Camacho, whose daughter Ivanka signed in for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, expressed gratitude for scholarship programs.
“This workshop helped the student learn what kind of help they can get from scholarship programs,” said another mother, Sue Babauta, who escorted her daughter Jessica, a graduate from Kagman High School.
Babauta lauded Northern Marianas College for conducting the workshop.
Tracy Santos said her daughter Janessa used to study at the University of Guam and was looking for work there but failed to do so.
She is now trying to apply for a scholarship program to pursue her education.
“This workshop is helping the students especially nowadays that we need security for the education of our children,” Santos said.
NMC President Carmen Fernandez said she was impressed with how the parents supported their children.
The workshop was launched by NMC to assist students in completing forms for FAFSA, the Saipan Higher Education Financial Aid program, the CNMI scholarship program and other financial aid programs.
During the first session yesterday, 132 students had signed in as of 10:45 a.m.
Of this figure, 108 applied for CNMI Scholarship, 100 for FAFSA, and 78 for SHEFA.
The second session was held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. also at the multi-purpose center in Susupe.
NMC student services dean Janice Tenorio said students can apply for all the scholarship programs offered by the CNMI and federal governments if they are qualified and can comply with all the requirements.
SHEFA requires that the student maintains, at the end of each academic term, a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 for 12 or more credits; a 3.5 term grade point average for performance-based scholarship; 3.0 cumulative GPA for graduate and advanced; and 2.5 cumulative GPA for a priority field of study.
Like the CNMI scholarship program, SHEFA requires its recipients to return to the commonwealth and work here.
For FAFSA, applicants are required to submit an Income Verification Form and a Taxpayers Compliance Clearance for 2008; a signed copy of the 2008-1040 form from the Division of Revenue and Taxation; and a signed copy of a parent’s 2008-1040, or 2008 W-2 statements.
Applicants for all these programs must be U.S. citizens.
SHEFA consultant William Torres said they have an average of 500 applicants every semester.
With its $3 million annual allocation, SHEFA can provide students regular funding assistance, he said.
“We have no trouble meeting our obligations,” he added.
Fernandez said the workshop had a great turnout and the college leadership was very pleased. “We’re hoping that majority of the students here today will come to NMC for the fall semester.”
“We will follow-up with all their applications,” she added.
Fernandez said they will conduct the workshop again next year.
Those who attended are qualified for a waiver of NMC’s application and placement test fees for the fall 2009 semester.
