The Financial Aid Office at Robeson Community College hosted training from College For North Carolina on Thursday, Jan. 30, on its main campus in Lumberton. Over 50 counselors and advisors were in attendance, representing high schools and colleges from Polkton to Fayetteville to Wilmington.

“We want to make sure that we’re giving equal opportunity for different parts of the state,” stated Brittany Privott, the CFNC associate outreach director for the southeast region in a press release. “We know a lot of major cities host stuff like this, but we feel like Robeson has a lot to offer, and so we wanted counselors to be here on campus so they can get the experience… This training is to specifically make sure that counselors feel empowered in their jobs and that they know that the State is behind them when it comes to supporting families”

Privott continued in the release stating,  “We want to make sure that we are giving as many students as many options as possible and making sure that counselors know what they can do to advocate for their students.”

The training included updates with College for North Carolina, Federal, and State financial aid updates, a best practices panel discussion and breakout sessions in the afternoon. Participants also enjoyed lunch prepared by RCC’s culinary arts students.

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

“CFNC is something that we definitely use a lot, and this is my first-year counseling students,” Benton said. “I know that there is a lot that I need to learn, so I’m hoping to get better skills and know what resources are out there for my students… I’m just trying to be the best counselor that I can be,” shared Benton in a press release. 

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

“I want to learn more about the FAFSA, get updates, and learn about a few other things like the NextNC Scholarship,” Pope, who works at Wilmington Christian Academy, shared in a press release. “This has been a positive experience.”

As the training took place, many updates, tips, and resources were provided, like the average wait time for calling the Federal Student Aid Office is 12 seconds. It’s suggested students call Tuesdays or Wednesdays and that it’s best to avoid calling in during the lunch hour. Students whose native language is not English can also have an interpreter assist them and there are support guides on the FAFSA available in multiple languages through the studentaid.gov website.

“Over 4 million FAFSAs have been submitted for 2025-2026,” Zilma Lopes, the financial aid director reported in a press release. “More than 6 million FAFSAs have been started.”

“It’s important for us as financial aid officers to be informed and to stay up-to-date on all the changes that often happens with the FAFSA,” Lopes continued. “We hope this training today helped to answer many questions, better equips those who work directly with students in the academic setting, and helps them better strategize resources to make the biggest impact possible.”

“Financial aid is so important, and what we do on a daily basis can change the life of a student forever,” Lopes added. “Education is powerful, and we want to help as many students get the aid, they are eligible to receive as possible, and hopefully we were able to make a difference with the training provided today at Robeson Community College.”

The training served as a kickoff to FAFSA month, which started on Feb. 1, and focuses on FAFSA completion and strategies.

“As part of the celebration and to raise awareness about available financial aid resources, RCC will host FAFSA Day on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the student center on its main campus,” Lopes said. “More details will be coming soon, but we hope to see everyone attend.”