The statewide media campaign and the extensive promotion of CGS within the counseling profession has made hundreds, even thousands, more students, parents, and guidance counselors aware of the need and desired timing to complete a FAFSA. In fact, several counselors mentioned that the publicity was a good reminder to notify all of their families about starting a FAFSA during January.

The statewide exposure for MASFAA among several key constituencies is well-deserved and includes more formal ties to the federally funded TRIO and GEAR UP programs that provide college access services for over 30,000 low-income, first-generation prospective college students annually in Massachusetts. Several TRIO and GEAR UP leaders are now actively involved on the College Goal Sunday Steering Committee and with the individual sites. College Goal Sunday also serves to broaden awareness within MASFAA about the unique needs and barriers encountered by immigrant families attempting to navigate the complex financial aid application process, often in a language other than English.

CGS is a lot of work for the volunteers who organize it throughout the year. In addition, the commitment from the near hundred volunteers who give up their time to staff the thirteen (and growing) strategically located sites throughout the state were the highlight for families needing guidance. Without exception, all come away that day with the feeling that their time was well spent and that they really made a difference in the lives of some needy families. Kudos are in order to the entire organization for making MASFAA such a critical player in the ongoing Massachusetts effort to increase access to a college education for all.