Effort aims at helping students prepare for college

Mountain Home High School is competing against schools across the Treasure Valley in a new initiative aimed at helping students financially prepare themselves for college.

Hosted by the Treasure Valley Educational Partnerships, the contest encourages high school students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, forms.

"Most colleges and technical schools require students to complete the FAFSA to assess financial need," contest organizers said.

This financial need is based on the difference between the total cost of attending a specific college and the amount a family is expected to contribute toward that cost, organizers added.

During the program's debut, Mountain Home High School is going up against Kuna, Meridian and Nampa high schools.

"All four schools are competing to see which school can get the highest percentage of their seniors to complete the FAFSA in an effort to get more students enrolled in post-secondary education," said Mountain Home High School Principal Jeff Johnson.

The Treasure Valley Educational Partnership will base the final percentage tallies based on the number of completed forms as of April 28 compared to the number of enrolled seniors at each school as of November 2013 by the Idaho Department of Education. Officials expect to name the winning school by May 2.

In addition to prizes presented to the winning school, a separate raffle will select one senior for additional recognition.

To fill out these student aid forms, participants need to include Social Security numbers of students and their parents, the student's drivers license or alien registration card if applicable, copies of recent federal tax returns and tax forms as well as a list of colleges and universities the student is interested in attending.

The high school will hold two events aimed at helping students and parents complete the student aid forms. The first will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and again from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 2 in Room C at the high school annex.

For more information, call the high school at 587-2570.