Ivy Tech is offering Indiana students free FAFSA filing help as part of College Goal Sunday.

Columbus Campus Spokesman Chris Schilling says that college-bound students and their families have an opportunity to learn more about financial aid and get help filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the statewide College Goal Sunday event.

The free event is set for 2 p.m. February 21 at more than 40 sites across Indiana, including the Columbus Learning Center.

Schilling explains that the FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA must be filed by March 10 to be considered eligible for Indiana financial aid.

He adds that the event, now in its 27th year, has helped more than 90,000 Indiana students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time.

“Far too often families don’t know who to ask for help with their FAFSA,” said Bill Wozniak, co-chair of College Goal Sunday. “This event helps families across the state file the FAFSA, and brings students one step closer to fulfilling their educational goals.”

Schilling saya that students should attend College Goal Sunday with a parent or guardian. He says the parent should bring completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2015 income and benefits information. Students who worked last year should bring their income information as well. Students 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2015 income and benefits information. Students and parents are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at fsaid.ed.gov before coming to the event.