CFNC training, hosting RCC, attracts counselors from Polkton to Wilmington – Blear Fayetteville Business Journal

The Robeson Community College Financial Aid Office hosted North Carolina College Training on Thursday, January 30, on its main campus in Lamberton. More than 50 councilors and advisers were present, representing high schools and colleges from Pocton to Fieteville to Wilmington.

“We want to be sure that we are giving equal opportunities for different parts of the state,” said Brittany, the CFNC associate director for the Southeast region in a press release. “We know that many big cities host such things, but we have the feeling that Robson has a lot to suggest, so we wanted councilors to be here on campus so that they could get experience … This training is specific to make sure that the councilors Feel authorized in your work and that they know that the state is behind them when it comes to supporting families ”

Privott continued in the message stating: “We want to make sure that we give as many students as many as possible and make sure that the advisers know what they can do to advocate for their students.”

The training included updates with the College of Updates of North Carolina, Federal and State Financial Assistance, discussion of the panel for best practices and sessions for the afternoon. The participants also enjoyed lunch prepared by RCC culinary arts students.

Ronda Benton drove more than an hour and a half from the South Piedmont Community College in Anson County to attend the meeting.

“CFNC is something we definitely use a lot and this is my first year consultation students,” Benton said. “I know there are a lot of things to learn, so I hope to achieve better skills and know what resources are there for my students … I’m just trying to be the best advisor I can be“ shared Benton in a press release.

Coming from the shore, Michael Pope also drives an hour and a half, making the trip from New Hanover County.

“I want to learn more about FAFSA, get updates and learn about a few other things like the NextNC scholarship,” Paup, who works at the Wilmington Christian Academy, shared in a press message. “This is a positive experience.”

As the training was conducted, many updates, tips and resources were provided, with the average waiting time to call the Federal Student Assistance Service is 12 seconds. It is proposed that students call Tuesday or Wednesday and that it is best to avoid calling during the lunch hour. Students whose native language is not English can also help them translator and have FAFSA support guides, available in several languages ​​through the website Studentaid.gov.

“More than 4 million FAFs have been presented for 2025-2026,” Zilma Lopez, the Financial Aid Director, said in a press release. “They started more than 6 million fafsa.”

“It is important for us as financial aid staff to be informed and to be up to the course of any changes that often happen with FAFSA,” Lopez continued. “We hope that this training today has helped to answer many questions, better equipped those who work directly with students in the academic environment and help them better strategize resources to make the most possible impact as possible.”

“Financial help is so important and what we do on a daily basis can change the life of the student forever,” Lopez added. “Education is powerful and we want to help as many students as possible to receive help, they have the right to get as best as possible, and we hope that we have been able to make a change with the training provided today at Robeson Community College.”

The training served as an initial month for FAFSA, which began on February 1 and focuses on FAFSA’s graduation and strategies.

“As part of the celebration and to raise awareness of the available financial aid resources, the RCC will host FAFSA Day on February 22 from 10:00 to 14:00 at the Student Center at its main campus,” Lopez said. “More details will come soon, but we hope to see everyone attending.”