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NEWPORT – STCU is kicking off the new year helping families complete the free application for Federal Student Aid – a critical step for anyone who may decide to obtain specialized career training or attend college at any point after high school.
In January and February, the credit union is offering FAFSA assistance after hours at STCU branch locations throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho. The Newport branch of STCU will host FAFSA nights Tuesday, Jan. 7 and Thursday, Feb. 20. Both events are 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Assistance will be provided by trained volunteers who are STCU employees, using secure on-site technology. The events are open to anyone, regardless of whether they’re STCU members, and attendees need not bring computers or other devices. Because weekday evenings are busy times for families, the credit union offers light dinner fare to attendees.
Participants should bring the following information and/or documents: Email addresses of student and parent(s); social security numbers and birthdates of student and parent(s); 2023 Federal Tax information or return(s); records of any untaxed income; cash, savings, and checking account balances, and investment information, other than your primary residence. While it’s optional, STCU recommends bringing a laptop with Wi-Fi capability.
Last year’s roll-out of a new FAFSA form caused a big drop in completions and delays getting applicant information to colleges and training programs. Washington and Idaho saw 11 percent fewer completions in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
