When Massachusetts began offering College Goal Sunday to students and their families in 2005, we had 13 locations. Each year since, the number of sites and attendees has continually increased. We are no longer solely contacting high schools and colleges explaining CGS and requesting their participation. Schools are contacting CGS fully aware of the program and its impact on our students. They are volunteering their locations and their time.

This year we have 26 locations throughout the state:

• 24 locations on January 31, 2010
• Amherst location on Thursday, January 28 at 7 pm
• Wakefield location on Wednesday, February 3 at 6:00 pm

With the increased sites and attendance comes the need for additional FAFSA experts to volunteer for the day. Your commitment to a few hours helping students and their families navigate the FAFSA maze means so much to the attendees.

In 2009, CGS had 317 volunteers but nearly half were not FAFSA experts. With 26 sites, we need more financial aid professionals of all levels who are familiar with the FAFSA. If you are not sure if CGS is a valuable way to spend your time, ask a previous volunteer. You will likely receive encouragement that your time will be well spent and the families that you help that day will reinforce your newfound commitment.

Please volunteer today at www.masscollegegoalsunday.org.