Indiana Black Expo Indiana Black Expo
DONATE

FIGURING OUT FAFSA

College Matters

Equipping Parents to Support Postsecondary Success

For many families, especially those from historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, the postsecondary planning process can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest barriers is navigating the FAFSA and understanding financial aid options that can make college and career training affordable.

College Matters is a parent-centered FAFSA and financial aid education initiative from Indiana Black Expo designed to build parents’ confidence, increase FAFSA completion, and help families make informed decisions about their student’s next steps after high school.

What Families Will Experience

College Matters hosts four free community events each year across the east and west sides of Indianapolis, plus central-location sessions designed to meet families where they are. These sessions are free of charge and open to high school seniors and their families.

Core Program Components:

  • Parent-Focused FAFSA Workshops – Step-by-step FAFSA support, help gathering documents, and guidance through key questions.
  • Understanding Financial Aid – Breakdowns of grants vs. loans, how to interpret aid offers, and common pitfalls to avoid.
  • Scholarship Search Education – Tools and strategies to identify local, state, and national scholarship opportunities.
  • Postsecondary Planning Breakouts – How parents can support admissions, budgeting, college selection, and career pathways.
  • Live Q&A with Financial Aid Professionals – Time for individualized questions in a supportive environment.
  • Printed & Digital Toolkits – Take-home checklists, deadline calendars, and FAFSA/financial aid glossaries.

Who Should Attend?
College Matters is designed for:

  • High school seniors and their parents/guardians
  • First-generation families
  • Low-income households
  • Families connected to public, township, and charter schools across the east and west sides of town

College Matters Registration

Indiana Black Expo

IBE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been a pillar of the African-American community for decades. As a year-round, multifaceted community service organization with 12 chapters, IBE works to create and advance opportunities for families in central Indiana.

Contact Info

601 N Shortridge Rd,
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: 317-925-2702

Indiana Black Expo Nondiscrimination Policy

Indiana Black Expo is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment for all. We do not discriminate in our programs, services, events, employment practices, or partnerships. Our organization values diversity, equity, and mutual respect, and we strive to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and fairness in every aspect of our work.