Sunday, January 25, 2009, was another successful year for College Goal Sunday. This year however, increased interest may have been impacted by a perfect storm of media focus on college affordability, decreases in private student loan availability and a weakened economy, including reductions in college endowments. Families have historically always feared that making a mistake on the FAFSA would prevent them from receiving needed funds for college. This year, that fear may have been even greater with feelings of higher stakes. But over 300 volunteers at 26 sites were ready, willing and able to provide much appreciated instruction, peace of mind and reassurance to nearly 2000 students/families. One attendee in Framingham expressed a common sentiment, “Being here makes it more understandable… it makes it easier to follow.” Another attendee in Somerville said upon leaving CGS with a fully completed FAFSA, “It was a really nice opportunity for people whose families don’t have experience applying to college.”

College Goal Sunday 2009 held a total of 26 sites, four more sites than the 22 in 2008. As in years past, there were numerous requests beginning this past summer from high schools and other educational professionals that wanted to host a CGS site. Other increases this year were in the number of sites offering online access. This year nearly half of the sites offered online access and that number is expected to grow further in 2010. Six new sites were added this year, including Cambridge, Orange, Wakefield, Amherst, Marlborough and Roxbury. College Goal Sunday information was included as part of 323 MEFA financing seminars and presented to over 400 guidance counselors who attended the statewide trainings. In addition, the media campaign continues to be highly visible. Public Service Announcements aired on TV and radio stations throughout the state of Massachusetts. The common response from print, television and radio outlets was not only the recognition of the event from years past, but an eager willingness to share the information with families to help spread the word.

Families consistently report that they find completing the FAFSA overwhelming and that College Goal Sunday helps to clarify a lot of questions through the line-by-line guided presentation, as well as the one-on-one interaction with financial aid professionals from a variety of school types. Volunteers were also rewarded for their time and effort by many thankful families. Christine Padgett volunteered at the new Cambridge site and said “most every parent that I worked with/ and or spoke to, was so relieved to have the support available by the CGS Volunteers for the FAFSA On The Web process and thrilled and relieved to get it done and submitted.” She went on to say, “It was my first year as a volunteer and I will certainly do it again next year.” Sherri Robinson had the same reaction, “This was my first time and I really enjoyed it and will be returning next year.” Thanks Christine and Sherri! Many volunteers shared the sentiments expressed by Christine and Sherri.