March/April 2004 Online Publication    




The annual financial aid fair was held on February 7, 2004.

Texas A&M University’s Department of Student Financial Aid successfully hosts 2nd annual Destination: Education
By Lindsay Gasek, Texas A&M Department of Student Financial Aid

“Destination: Education – Funding Your Future,” Texas A&M’s Department of Student Financial Aid’s annual financial aid fair, was held on February 7, 2004. A select number of lending institutions and colleges/universities were invited to participate. Over five hundred attendees visited with thirty-two sponsors during the course of the event. Each vendor had representatives on-site to answer questions and provide information about options for attending and financing a higher education.

Various informational sessions during the day offered hands-on workshops during which financial aid representatives answered questions about admissions, scholarships, and loans. In addition to these workshops, high school students had the opportunity to practice for the SAT. Texas A&M students currently enrolled at the university were also present to share their experiences with prospective students and offer insight into the college experience.

The Mobile Education Resource Vehicle (MERV) was on-site to allow applicants to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or apply for a FAFSA PIN instantly via the Internet. Counselors were also available to answer questions about the application process.

Volunteers from the staff of Texas A&M University’s Department of Student Financial Aid, the Prairie View chapter of LULAC, and the Women’s Bethunes of College Station, Texas contributed to the event by providing support to vendors and attendees. Texas A&M athletes were also available for photograph and autograph sessions with attendees.

Attendees to the fair had the opportunity to win various prizes by visiting multiple sponsors. In addition to prizes, attendees were entered into a drawing for eight $250 individual scholarships. Various statistics were collected from participants at the event, including ethnicity, family income, current grade level, and age group.

Ethnicity
Caucasian Hispanic African American Asian Other  
56% 21% 17% 3% 3%
Family Income
$0-$20,000 $20,001-$40,000 $40,001-$80,000 $80,001-$100,000 $100,000+  
56% 21% 17% 3% 3%
Current Grade Level
K-4th 5th-8th 9th 10th 11th 12th College Not Attending School
2% 4% 2% 4% 10% 48% 27% 4%
Age Groups
8-15 16-18 19-22 25 and older  
9% 64% 19% 8%

The Department of Student Financial Aid is very pleased with the successful outcome of “Destination: Education” and looks forward to continuing this event for those interested in learning about how to pursue a higher education.