ORONO – Gov. John Baldacci recently unveiled the 2004 Financial Aid Toolkit and announced a new statewide event. College Goal Sunday will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at 12 locations throughout Maine, including Donald P. Corbett Hall at the University of Maine in Orono. Both the Toolkit and College Goal Sunday focus on making it easier for Maine students and their parents to attain higher education goals.

Three out of every four students in Maine receive some form of financial assistance to help meet college costs. But the financial aid process can be daunting. Knowing about financial aid resources and how to access them can help overcome barriers to continuing education, Gov. Baldacci said.

The Toolkit, published by the Finance Authority of Maine, or FAME, contains comprehensive information about student financial aid programs, including how and when to apply, a monthly planner highlighting important deadlines, eligibility guidelines, a listing of Maine colleges, scholarship searches, information on participating Maine lenders and answers to many frequently asked questions.

Charlie Spies, FAME’s chief executive officer, said 25,000 Toolkits have been distributed to high school seniors across the state, either mailed directly to their homes or to their guidance offices. In addition, they have been mailed to College Financial Aid offices throughout the State. Additional copies are available by calling FAME at (800) 228-3734 or by visiting www.famemaine.com.

College Goal Sunday will provide Maine families with free line-by-line assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The application form is required for all state and federal financial aid programs, including loans. The event is open to high school seniors and their families and anyone else who would like assistance in filling out the application form.

For information, call FAME at (800) 228-3734 or visit www.collegegoalsundaymaine. com.