A nationwide volunteer program helping students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is coming to Huntington 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Potential and current students have the opportunity to receive free assistance with filing for financial aid during College Goal Sunday.

The event will take place Sunday in 24 West Virginia locations.

College Goal Sunday in Huntington will be at Marshall University and Mountwest Community & Technical College.

Autumn Perry, college access and success programs coordinator said anyone who plans to attend college in the future should attend the event and apply for aid.

“Even if you are uncertain about enrollment, you should at least come and fill out the FAFSA,” Perry said. “You would be applying for several sources of aid, and you could lose financial aid dollars by not applying.”

Perry said the statewide locations are staffed with financial aid directors and counselors along with school guidance counselors to help students apply.

Perry said those who plan to attend should bring personal information such as social security cards and driver’s licenses. Participants will also need financial documents such as tax records and investment reports.

Angela Holly, Heart of Appalachia Talent Search programs director said the event gives students the needed support to apply for financial aid.

“The program gives you a supportive environment to complete the FAFSA,” Holly said. “We have people who are supportive. I think this environment is important because even current students may need help.”

Holly said students who attend will also get free tax assistance provided by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program without waiting in line.

Perry said students should preregister for the event at the College Foundation of West Virginia website. She said preregistering will speed up the application process.

This year is the sixth year College Goal Sunday is in West Virginia.

Perry said the first year attracted fewer than 400 students and family members, but last year’s event attracted 1,846 attendants. The number of participating locations grew from 17 to 24.

All locations will host College Goal Sunday between 1-4 p.m.

Patrick Breeden can be contacted at [email protected].