For Immediate Release
January 25, 2007
Contact:  Patricia Norcott
Ph: 814-453-2515
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Earll Appointed to Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Board

Will seek to improve access to student aid for first-generation college students, low-income families. 

Erie – State Sen. Jane Earll (R-49) has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, one of the largest student aid organizations in the nation.

The senator said she plans to use the post to work toward helping funds reach more students, especially first-generation college students and those from low-income families, who previously have not had access to higher education.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work on initiatives that increase college and post-secondary participation among those who have traditionally faced overwhelming financial barriers," said Earll.  "Higher education should not be reserved for those with financial means. It must be open to anyone who works hard and is committed to learning."

Senator Earll's term on the board runs until January 30, 2009.

PHEAA manages more than $56.5 billion in total assets and serves millions of students and thousands of schools nationally through its state grant, guaranty, servicing, and financial aid processing systems.

To obtain information about post-secondary financial aid, contact PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392, or visit PHEAA's website, www.EducationPlanner.org. Financial aid application forms are available in high schools and college financial aid offices, or by calling 1-800-4.FED.AID (1-800-433-3243).  The application can also be filed electronically at www.EducationPlanner.org, or at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  (To file online, obtain a Personal Identification Number to use as an electronic signature first, at www.pin.ed.gov.)  The filing deadline for state grant renewal and Bachelor's degree or non-terminal community/junior college enrollment for fall 2007 is May 1, 2007.   The deadline for business, trade, hospital nursing, technical or other two-year terminal degree programs is August 1, 2007.