Officials at the Cleveland Institute of Art know navigating financial aid can be overwhelming.

That’s why they’re hosting an event on Thursday, March 28, to help local high school students and their families. The date falls during the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s spring break. 

Called “You Got This: Financial Aid,” it’s open to current sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are thinking about going on to any type of higher education after high school, not just those interested in art or in attending CIA. 

“We’re just trying to see if we can do a little bit to help, to put people [students and families] at ease,” Tricia Pangonis, CIA’s director of Financial Aid, told Signal Cleveland. “If they’re worried, we want to take the anxiety away from them.” 

Event hopes to demystify financial aid

When organizing the event, Pangonis said they thought about what decisions college-going students and families are facing. Then they planned accordingly. 

Several different information sessions are tucked into the 3.5-hour event, including explaining various types of financial aid options and how to find scholarship opportunities. 

Plus, representatives from local banks will be there to answer questions about personal finance and paying for an education, according to information from CIA. Also on hand will be College Now Greater Cleveland, a local nonprofit that advises students and families on a range of college issues, including financial aid and scholarships. 

Help with FAFSA filings 

Officials from CIA’s financial aid office will also be on hand to individually help students complete their FAFSA forms. That’s the federal financial aid form that can help students get money for college. 

FAFSA completion rates are down nationwide. In fact, school officials said that was one of the reasons behind organizing the event right now. For those going to college later this year who haven’t filled out that form, Pangonis stressed that there’s still time. 

“We want to send the message, ‘No, you’re not [late], we’re going to work with you 100%,” she said. 

How to attend “You Got This” 

The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Interested students and families must register to attend. You can do that by clicking here.  

The event is on CIA’s campus at 11610 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44106. 

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