Part of Dean Heidt's daughter leaving for college next year is endearing - he's going to miss her. The not-so-endearing part is all the work it takes to research, apply and then figure out admission applications, scholarships and living arrangements.

College Goal Sunday held at Western Dakota Technical Institute Sunday just made things a little easier, Dean said.

College Goal Sunday is a free service to help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Thirteen locations throughout the state hosted College Goal Sunday and offered free help to students and parents in completing the online FAFSA and getting financial aid information.

"It doesn't matter where they're going," said Sharon Martin, site coordinator for the event. "When they leave, the (FAFSA) form is done."

Dean's daughter, Lindsey, said it has been stressful applying for scholarships and financial aid. When the home computer crashed, she took notice of the College Goal Sunday event reminder sent to her from Central High School.

"It helped a lot," she said. "They answered a lot of questions about getting financial aid."

And she was grateful that her dad and her mom, Mary, accompanied her.

"Some people don't get enough support from parents," she said.

Dean said one of the best aspects of College Goal Sunday was that there were professionals on hand to answer questions about the application process.

"It's always easier when you're doing it with someone who knows," he said.

The next hard part: saying good bye to Lindsey in the fall as she heads to Northern State University in Aberdeen.

"You miss your kids, but it's a good experience for them," he said of college. "She's excited, and I'm excited for her."

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com