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Media Contact:
Kristina Tirloni
TG
(512) 219-4990
(800) 252-9743, ext. 4990
kristina.tirloni@tgslc.org

September 17, 2009

TG works with families and students to overcome barriers to college

Round Rock, TX — A study released by a White House task force pinpoints the challenges, specifically income and information barriers, to students seeking a college education and their families. The study found that students from lower-income backgrounds often lack the necessary resources for understanding that a higher education is possible, and thus, fewer of them enroll in college. The findings reflect many of the challenges Texans face, in that more than 80 percent of Texas students receive some type of need-based aid to pay for college.

Financial barriers in Texas
According to data in TG's "State of Student Aid and Higher Education in Texas," more than a third of college undergraduates in Texas come from families with lower-income backgrounds (less than $40,000 per year). More than 50 percent of students are considered independent, meaning they may be 24 years old or older, married, or have dependents of their own, and do not receive financial support from parents. Texas students are also likely to be the first in their families to pursue an education beyond high school.

"The thought of getting into and paying for college can be overwhelming for some families and students," said Richard Sapp, TG director of Pre-College Success. "Through TG's online resources and staff support, they can find the information to help overcome the barriers to college access and success."

Online resources
Some of the anxiety felt by families can be attributed to the lack of knowledge of the college application and financial aid processes. In addition to providing information on college admissions, TG's public service Web site, Adventures In Education (www.AIE.org), also features the following resources to help find ways to pay for a higher education:

  • Scholarship search engine
  • Federal student loan information
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) instructional video in English and Spanish
  • Charley Wootan Grant Program information

Staff support
For families and students who need additional help, TG provides support through the TG Ambassadors program. Ambassadors attend financial aid fairs and college preparation workshops at high schools, colleges, and other venues. They offer guidance on the benefits of a higher education, explain the financial aid and admissions processes, and direct students to additional resources.

TG, in collaboration with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), also operates the Texas Financial Aid Information Center, a toll-free call center (888-311-8881) serving as a single point of contact for Texas families and students. TG team members provide assistance in English and Spanish, addressing questions related to the college admissions and financial aid processes.

For more information related to TG's services, please visit our corporate Web site, www.tgslc.org.

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TG is a public, nonprofit corporation that helps create access to higher education for millions of families and students through its role as an administrator of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Its vision is to be the premier source of information, financing, and assistance to help all families and students realize their educational and career dreams.

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