The cafeteria at Somerville High School is one of 22 sites, statewide, which will provide assistance to students on Sunday. By the conclusion of the free event, each student will possess an entirely finished FAFSA.

Last year 81 families participated, "which means mostly students brought at least one parent. It was the first year that we held College Goal Sunday in Somerville," said Melissa McWhinney, Advocacy Director, Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS). This year, McWhinney expects an even larger number of participants. "We're hoping we can serve more people," she said.

"This year [College Goal Sunday] is being coordinated by the guidance department for the Somerville School Department. Carolyn Richards, the head of guidance for the Somerville Schools, is the lead coordinator.

The first step to a student receiving federal financial aid for college is to fill out a FAFSA. However, if he or she overlooks that component, his or her chance of federal money will vanish.

It is important to note that the majority of colleges in most states, utilize each enrollee's FAFSA information to present him or her with an awards package. School-based aid may be used in tandem with federal financial aid.

The initial reason why College Day Sunday started in Somerville proves quite interesting.

"There was a former member of our teen peer leader group, and he asked me if I could help him with the FAFSA," said McWhinney. "I helped him in 2007. Then, I learned about the College Goal Sunday program. We it brought in because I said, 'If this one child is having trouble, then, I'm sure others are, as well."

The aim of College Goal Sunday is to increase the quality and quantity of FAFSA applications which are filed in Massachusetts, as well as the amount of financial aid, which is provided to students in Massachusetts. Another of the program's goals is to eliminate the information gap, regarding the availability of financial aid for college applicants.

Are you planning to attend this event? If so, it is of utmost importance to provide as many of the following official documents and records as possible: your FAFSA PIN, your 2008 Federal Tax Return or other income documentation, as well as your parents financial information, social security number, driver's license — if applicable, 2008 W-2 Forms or year-end pay stubs, additional year-end records of money received, 2008 untaxed income records, such as: Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, welfare, or veteran benefits records, 2008 bank statements, 2008 business and investment mortgage information, and alien registration card — if applicable. In addition, bring investment records, such as those proving ownership of a business, farm, stock or bond.

Translators will be available at many of the participating sites to assist any individual, for whom English is not his or her native language.

If your 2008 information is not available, then your 2007 information would be useful.