The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the 2024-25 FAFSA form will open by Dec. 31. Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. FAFSA is an application used by most college, universities and other schools for awarding federal, state and college-funded financial aid.

To prepare, students and parents need to create Federal Student Aid (FSA) accounts prior to applying. To create an account, visit studentaid.gov. A video playlist — Preparing for the FAFSA Form — outlining aspects of the FAFSA including understanding and preparing for the process is available on YouTube. To view the playlist, click here.

High school college and career advisors are available to assist students and parents in submitting the FAFSA. FAFSA forms can be submitted starting Dec. 31.

Scholarship fair

The Charles County Scholarship Fair will be held in mid-January on the La Plata campus of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM).

Held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, in CSM’s BI Building, the event is an opportunity for college-bound students and their parents to learn about available scholarships and financial aid. Students can learn resume writing tips and attend an essay writing workshop at the fair.

Breakout sessions, including a Xello demonstration and assistance in creating Federal Student Aid (FSA) accounts needed to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are set for 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. For more information, contact Tricia Holcomb at 301-934-7334 or tholcomb@ccboe.com. CSM is at 8730 Mitchell Road in La Plata.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).