Starting in January, Yakima Valley College will host several financial aid workshops to help students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). With big changes being made to the FAFSA this year, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of free, hands-on assistance from financial aid professionals.

“We know that the new application process is going to prompt questions, even for those who have applied for financial aid in the past,” said Oscar Verduzco, YVC director of financial aid. “It’s crucial for families to understand the changes that are happening so they can maximize the financial aid they’re eligible to receive. There’s a significant amount of financial aid available to make a college education affordable.”

Workshops will be held at various dates and times both virtually and in-person on the Yakima and Grandview campuses. YVC staff will be available to help answer questions in both English and Spanish. These workshops are open to the community and free of charge.  

Workshop Sessions 

Yakima Campus 
January 24, 2024 • February 21, 2024 • March 6, 2024 
2 – 6 p.m. 
Deccio Higher Education Center, Building #8, Room 210 

Grandview Campus
January 16, 2024 • February 13, 2024 • March 5, 2024
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Grandview Main, Building #56, Room 123 

Virtual Sessions
January 18, 2024 • February 29, 2024
2 – 6 p.m. 

FAFSA: The FAFSA application is how students apply for federal financial assistance to attend institutions of higher education like YVC. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans and work-study funds to students in need through the FAFSA form. In addition, many states and colleges use the FAFSA data to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid. 

WASFA: The WASFA application is for students who don’t file a federal FAFSA application. Students who are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status should complete the state WASFA application. If you have completed the FAFSA, you have already applied for federal and state financial aid and do not need to complete the WASFA.

Whether planning to attend Yakima Valley College or considering a four-year university or vocational or technical school, these workshops can help Yakima Valley students maximize the financial aid they receive. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend with their student. Students may attend alone; however, they will need to have as many of the parent/guardian items as possible. 

Each student should have available: 

  • Their Social Security number and/or card (if applicable)
  • DACA work authorization number and/or card (if applicable)
  • Driver’s license or state identification card (if applicable)
  • If  born after January 1, 2001, bring both their parent(s) and their own 2022 tax return)
  • If born before January 2001, are married, have dependents they support or are serving in active duty or a veteran of the U.S. armed forces , bring their 2022 income data (W-2s and  2022 tax return) 
  • A valid email address for establishing Federal Student Aid ID (FSA-ID)

 Parents/guardians should have available: 

  • Their own Social Security numbers and/or cards and dates of birth (if applicable)
  • Income tax returns and W-2s for 2022.
  • A valid email address for establishing Federal Student Aid ID (FSA-ID)

These documents may not be available to all students, but do not let it discourage you from participating. Volunteers will be able to help get your FAFSA or WASFA application started. All information and documents shared with volunteers will be kept private and confidential. Information will only be used to help students and families apply for financial aid.  

For more information call YVC’s Financial Aid Office at 509.574.6855; learn more about financial aid at YVC.