Press

SECU – FAFSA Day partnership helps 2,400 N.C. Students prepare for college

RALEIGH, NC (March 20, 2015) — On Saturday, February 28th, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) joined efforts with College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) and the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NCASFAA) for the seventh consecutive year in support of the statewide public service event – FAFSA Day.  Nearly 2,400 students and their parents traveled to one of 317 FAFSA sites offering help with completing and electronically submitting the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).  SECU branches provided FAFSA assistance in all 100 counties, affording many “first time” college parents and rising high school graduates access to educational and instructional resources, guiding them through a key step in the process of planning, applying and paying for college.

Each year, students who participate in the FAFSA Day event are asked to complete an evaluation for feedback and statistics.  Of more than 700 students who completed evaluations, 55% of families had incomes below $40,000 and 68% reported they could not have completed the FAFSA without help.

“State Employees’ Credit Union is a valued partner in the FAFSA Day program that helps students and families access financial aid resources to pay for education beyond high school,” said Marcia Weston of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority and FAFSA Day coordinator.  “SECU branch staff assist members and non-members in the line-by-line completion of the FAFSA that determines eligibility for federal and most state financial aid.  Without the services and support of SECU branches, many students and their families would not have the personal assistance that is so important to their future college plans.”

Krista Loew, SECU Vice President of IRA Services stated, “FAFSA Day is a great opportunity for State Employees’ Credit Union staff to provide their expertise and resources, reaching deep within North Carolina communities to help many students and families focus on a path leading to academic and financial success.  Since 2010, SECU has assisted over 9,500 participants on FAFSA Day.  It’s an excellent example of what can be accomplished when we collaborate with partnering groups like CFNC and the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in support of higher education.”

About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 77 years.  The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trusts, estate planning and investments through its partners and affiliated entities.  SECU serves nearly 2 million members through 254 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.


More News