What Is Success In Somerset County?
An education initiative developed by the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, Success in Somerset County creates awareness of career, job and educational opportunities in Somerset County through panels, tours and specialized programs. A special emphasis is placed on high-demand jobs and industries in the area. In 2013, the Chamber applied for direct funding under the Routes Grant funded by the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies to launch Success in Somerset County as a pilot program. Click here to read more about this program.
Top 50 Employers in Somerset County
Webinar #1: Which Education Loan Should I Pick?
As families receive their financial offer letters from schools and determine that education loans may
be needed, they’ll find that there are many options to consider – including loans from the Department
of Education and private loan programs. Doing the research and knowing what to compare and consider
will be important to overall education debt, keeping it affordable, and finding the right fit. Join Daniel Wray
and Linda Pacewicz of PHEAA PA Forward in a one hour webinar review of the different options and
details associated with education loans to assist in sorting out this information.
Tuesday, January 26 – Noon (ET) – Lunch & Learn
Webinar #2: Understanding the Financial Aid Offer and Balances:
The Financial Aid Offer, or Financing Plan, that you receive to provide an idea of the costs associated with
attending post secondary education can be confusing as each school formats their information differently.
PHEAA, represented by Linda Pacewicz and Daniel Wray of PA Forward are offering a one hour webinar
to assist in understanding and navigating through the types of Aid listed, what you are being offered and
identifying the balances and next steps needed. Q&A interaction is encouraged.
Thursday, January 21 – 6:30 PM (ET)
Thursday, January 28 – Noon (ET)
REGISTER (click below or copy/paste)!
pheaa-events500.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=pheaa-events500&service=6
PA School Services Reminders:
PA Forward Student Loans
Families in the planning stages of postsecondary education may be asking how they will pay for college. The PA Forward Student Loan Program can help them cover the gap between the cost of education and the amount of financial aid they receive. PA Forward Student Loans offer low interest rates, benefits for graduating, and multiple repayment options. Have them check out this great loan program today at PHEAA.org/PAForward!
Pandemic Changes Communication With Students
The ongoing pandemic has upended many traditional forms of communication between students and financial aid offices, coming at a time when more students are acutely in need of additional support. From notifying students of the availability of emergency aid grants allocated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to processing an increase of professional judgement requests, financial aid offices have had an increased workload since the onset of the pandemic.
PHEAA Financial Aid has gone virtual
Engage with us on social media, through webinars, and even virtual one-on-ones! Learn more at PHEAA.org/virtual.
PA School Services Reminders:
- 2021-22 FAFSA Now Available! – The first F in “FAFSA” stands for “FREE!” While there are numerous websites where students can get help filing the FAFSA® form for a fee, these sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). We urge you to advise your students not to pay for assistance that is provided for free at ED’s website, studentaid.gov. New this year, for those FAFSA questions referencing financial forms, help topics feature images of those forms with relevant line numbers highlighted.
- EFC Calculator – The FAFSA4Caster is no longer available, but families can use the EFC Calculator provided by College Board to get an estimated EFC.
- Creating An FSA Account – Don’t forget to remind students to create an FSA Account (FSA ID) prior to completing the FAFSA application. For dependent students, one parent needs to also create an FSA Account (FSA ID).
- Calculating Cost – Families can estimate the cost of various colleges via the Net Price Calculator (NPC) at collegecost.ed.gov.
No Gap Year Here!
College students say they’re ready to get back to campus! Learn more at salliemae.com.
FAFSA Information
FAFSA Completion Help
To help Pennsylvania families complete the FAFSA® PHEAA has partnered with PASFAA to conduct FAFSA Completion Help Events from October through April. These sessions are free to the public. Review the FAFSA checklist to view a list of the documents/information that families need to complete the FAFSA form.
PA State Grant Application
To be considered for a PA State Grant, students must complete the FAFSA. First-time applicants must also complete the State Grant Form (SGF), which gathers additional information needed for determining eligibility and financial need. The PA State Grant Form User Guide is available for your use in assisting students as they complete the SGF.
Get Involved, Get Connected
Want to showcase your business or organization on this page? Click here to learn how you can get involved.
Upcoming Events
Resources
Cyberbullying & Technology Resources For Parents
Internship Education Planner
On The Job Training
Scholarship Opportunities For Students With Physical Disabilities
Success In Somerset Program Guide
Pennsylvania Student Aid Guide
The Common Application
Commonwealth of PA Internships & Jobs
Scholarships
Blind or Deaf Beneficiary Program
Chafee Education and Training Grant Program
Live Your Dream Awards
2020 PRLA Scholarship
ABOUT SOMERSET COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Somerset County Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting this region as a superior locale in which to live, work, vacation and conduct business. Membership consists of all sizes of businesses representing agriculture, financial, health, manufacturing, media, retailing, service, and tourism. Membership also includes various organizations such as service clubs, churches, elected officials, and individual associate members. The common thread is that all members share an interest in enhancing and improving the economy and quality of life in our region through networking opportunities.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU
601 North Center Avenue
Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: (814) 445-6431
Fax: (814) 443-4313
