BSCTC to host FAFSA Workshops to increase access to higher education

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) will host a series of FAFSA workshops in late February aimed at helping students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and increasing access to higher education by removing financial barriers.

The workshops will be held on BSCTC campuses in Floyd, Johnson, and Pike counties and are open to current and prospective students seeking assistance with the financial aid process.

“At Big Sandy, student success is our top priority,” said Dr. Samuel Todd Brand, president of BSCTC. “That work begins with increasing access to higher education for the communities we serve. Our FAFSA workshops are designed to break down financial barriers, help students navigate the aid process, and open the door to opportunity. When we make college more accessible, we empower students to achieve their goals and strengthen the future of our region.”

“The FAFSA is a critical step for students seeking financial assistance,” said Cathy Hurd-Crank, director of Financial Aid at BSCTC. “Completing the application opens the door to grants, scholarships, and other resources that make college more affordable. Our goal is to help students understand the process and feel confident taking this important step toward their education.”

Many students face barriers when completing the FAFSA, including unfamiliar terminology, complex family financial situations, limited access to technology, or uncertainty about eligibility. BSCTC’s FAFSA workshops are designed to address these challenges by providing one-on-one assistance in a supportive environment, helping students successfully complete the application and take the next step toward their educational goals.

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to helping students understand the resources available to support their educational journeys. During the 2023–2024 academic year, 93,900 students received federal grants to help pay for continuing their education.

FAFSA workshop dates and locations are as follows:

• BSCTC Hager Hill Campus
  Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• BSCTC Mayo Campus
  Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• BSCTC Pikeville Campus
  Thursday, Feb. 26 | 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• BSCTC Prestonsburg Campus
  Saturday, Feb. 28 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.