Paid research opportunity available to juniors

Blair juniors who are financially independent and who have not applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can participate in a paid research study from May 14 to May 18.

Students who participate will assist the U.S. Department of Education by answering a series of survey questions during an interview about the wording of the FAFSA, which helps students receive financial aid during their college years.

A student is financially independent if he or she is married, has a child or is a ward of the court.

All participants in the study will receive $50 for their interview, which will take no longer than 90 minutes. The interviews will take place after school hours or on Saturday, May 15, and will occur every two hours, according to Career Center Information Coordinator Sharon Williams.

Juniors should participate in order to get acquainted with the financial aid application process. In addition, giving feedback to the Department of Education will help eliminate problems with the current application. "FAFSA … wants to make sure the next version [for] 2005-2006 is user friendly to everyone who completes it," said Williams.

To participate in the study, contact ORC Macro, a government research firm, at 301-527-0051 or 301-527-0881. Their office is located at 11785 Beltsville Drive in Calverton, MD 20705.