On Wednesday, the College of the Canyons (COC) announced it is scheduled to host a Pop-Up FAFSA workshop next month in Valencia and Canyon Country. 

To help students navigate the new 2024-25 Fee Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application form, COC is scheduled to host four upcoming pop-up workshops. 

“The FAFSA form can be a crucial step for students seeking financial assistance for their education,” said Tom Bilbruck, associate dean of student financial services at the college. “These pop-up workshops aim to provide dedicated support to students as they complete the new form.”

Rolled out on Dec. 30, 2024, the new FAFSA form is meant to simplify the application process and increase financial aid eligibility for low and moderate-income students. 

The pop-up FAFSA workshops are set to be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on March 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the college’s Valencia (Canyon’s Hall lobby) and Canyon Country campus (SSLRC 2nd floor lobby). 

The changes made to the new FAFSA form include a direct data exchange with the IRS and the adoption of the Student Aid Index, a formula that helps determine the financial aid amount each student can receive. 

In addition, the relaunched FAFSA is available in 11 common languages and includes fewer questions. 

The new application form is set to expand eligibility for Federal Pell Grants, according to the U.S. Department of Education. 

An estimated 61,000 new students are set to be eligible for a grant and an additional 1.5 million are set to also be eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant Award. 

For the 2023-24 award year, the maximum Pell Grant award was $7,000, according to COC officials. 

For more information about the 2024-25 FAFSA, contact the college Financial Aid Department at (661) 362-3242 or click here. 

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