College Goal Sunday Washington aims to reduce the barriers students face in paying for college. This year’s annual events take place at 25 different locations in South King County beginning in January.

The free program stops at Auburn High School, 800 4th St. NE, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14.

College Goal Sunday Washington helps students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal financial assistance for higher education.

The College Success Foundation (CSF), in coordination with the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA), the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB), the Roadmap Project/Community Center for Education Results (CCER), Washington College Access Network (WCAN), Seattle College Access Network, College Spark Washington, the College Access Challenge Grant Program, Lumina Foundation, Y-USA and school districts are joining forces with College Goal Sunday Washington to ensure that the class of 2012 has access to the resources and support needed to complete the financial aid process.

Nearly 63 percent of students rely on financial aid to make attending college a reality. However, the paperwork can be confusing. At College Goal Sunday Washington, students and parents can talk to experts and get in-depth help filling out the FAFSA. In one day, they will learn how to get money for college. Students and families can:

• Talk with expert financial aid administrators.

• Learn about all filing deadlines and other important information about paying for college.

• File the FAFSA online.

Whether students plan to attend a four-year college, community college, vocational or technical school, College Goal Sunday Washington can help them find the financial resources to make it happen.

For more information visit www.collegegoalsundaywa.org or call 888-758-2253.