According to officials, more than $2 billion dollars of financial aid each year goes unclaimed in the U.S. The Cash for College Alabama campaign is encouraging high school seniors and their families to complete the FAFSA before the March 1 priority deadline to ensure their ability to attain the most financial aid.

“College is expensive, and it is important to do everything you can to submit the form before March 1,” said Kristina Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible.

Any student seeking federal or state financial aid must complete the FAFSA. Many students will qualify for Pell Grants of up to $5,920 per year.

Students who wait until the summer to complete the FAFSA are excluded them from being eligible for some types of aid. Students who file their FAFSA by or before their college’s priority deadline could receive up to twice the amount of financial aid as those who file the FAFSA later.

People can learn more about Cash for College workshops by visiting cashforcollegealabama.org. Cash for College Alabama is a partnership of Alabama Possible, the Alabama State Department of Education, Bold Goals Coalition of Central Alabama and the Alabama Media Group.