Since it began more than a decade ago, in Indiana, College Goal Sunday has helped more than 100,000 students complete the paperwork necessary to apply for financial aid for college. One Sunday each February at College Goal Sunday sites across the nation, financial-aid volunteers spend a few hours helping students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Currently in 15 states, College Goal Sunday continues to grow. Lumina Foundation for Education recently announced its funding for the expansion of College Goal Sunday to five exploratory states (Alaska, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada and Texas) and five implementation states (Illinois, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan and Missouri). These states join successful College Goal Sunday programs in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, and a combined program serving Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia.

Kansas was the first state in the Rocky Mountain Region to conduct College Goal Sunday, starting its program six years ago at six sites in two communities. Kansas now offers College Goal Sunday at 15 sites in Kansas and four sites in Kansas City, Mo. From 2003 to 2004 alone, the number of attendees jumped from 1,382 to 2,103 — a 52-percent increase. The Kansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA) coordinates the event, with assistance from the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) and other volunteers. USA Funds?, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Lumina Foundation for Education sponsor Kansas College Goal Sunday.

Wyoming began its College Goal Sunday in 2003 with a single site, at Central Wyoming College in Riverton. That year 45 attendees visited College Goal Sunday in Wyoming. A year later, Wyoming College Goal Sunday expanded to eight sites and assisted 488 students and parents. Central Wyoming College, Lumina Foundation for Education, USA Funds and TRIO Programs sponsored the 2004 Wyoming College Goal Sunday, with assistance from Northern Wyoming Community College District, Laramie County Community College, Eastern Wyoming College, Casper College and Ethete School District 14.

Although College Goal Sunday is a one-day event, months of preparation, planning and advertising go into connecting with students and parents and making the event successful. News media, brochures, high-school counselors, public-service announcements and, in some states, celebrities help promote the event and the importance of education beyond high school. College Goal Sunday relies on financial-aid professionals and other volunteers to assist students and parents the day of the event. Local foundations and other local organizations often are sources of additional funding.

For additional information about start-up grants for College Goal Sunday through Lumina Foundation for Education, contact Jeanna Keller, program manager, at (317) 951-5330.