First Lady Michelle Obama Stops by T.C. Williams to Talk College Financial Aid

It's that time of year: When parents of senior high school students are filling out lots of forms for college.

First lady Michelle Obama wants to be sure parents and students get one particular financial aid form filled out for college: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or more commonly known as the FAFSA.

The first lady came to Alexandria Wednesday, stopping by T.C. Williams High School to talk up the FAFSA with students who were working on their applications.

"For those of you who might be wondering why the First Lady is here just to watch you fill out a computer form, it’s because completing this form is a critical start to completing your education," she said.

"With a good education, you can get a job that pays a decent salary or more," she said. "You can provide for your family, which is key. And you can become whatever you dream of becoming, which is the kind of freedom that I want all of you to have. And filling out the FAFSA form is one of the first and most important steps you can take in that journey."

"And here’s the thing: As you guys are demonstrating by being here today, FAFSA is quick, it’s easy, it’s free, and it can help you access the thousands of dollars to help you and your family pay for college," she said. "And that’s true — and this is important — no matter who you are.

"You don’t have to be the valedictorian," she said. "You don’t have to major in a certain subject. You don’t even have to be at the very bottom of the income ladder to receive the money. Almost everyone is eligible for some form of financial aid, and all you have to do to access that aid is fill out this one little form. It’s so simple."

"So that’s why I’m here," she said. "And that’s my message for you and for students all across the country: Fill out those forms. Fill them out! Don’t leave money on the table. Parents, don’t leave money on the table. Fill out the form." 

As the first lady was leaving T.C., she said: "Well, this was incredible for me, just to meet so many smart, focused, articulate, clear-eyed, clear-thinking young people with amazing counselors and parents. This was a dream room right here.  And your stories are so diverse and so different and so compelling.  This is why I’m still here — and I was probably supposed to be gone an hour ago."

Looking for financial aid for college? Visit Federal Student Aid: http://www.studentaid.gov