Beyond-Careers-logoFinancial Aid U (FAU) is a nationwide program, operated by the National Community Tax Coalition (NCTC) and supported by the Citi Foundation. FAU reaches low- to moderate-income (LMI) families and targets non-traditional and traditional-aged students and their families.

Beyond Careers was selected to participate in NCTC’s Financial Aid U (FAU) Training Institute to independently implement the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance services, which will increase access to financial aid for traditional and nontraditional students from August 1, 2013 – May 30, 2014.

Beyond Careers was established in 2008 as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service – Stakeholder Partnerships, Education & Communication (IRS-SPEC) providing free tax preparation services for LMI taxpayers. Beyond Careers will integrate VITA with FAFSA through participation in FAU.

Through community partners across the country, FAU has been able to build the knowledge and confidence of more than 8,000 students and their families to apply for aid. Students who enrolled in college this past year had access to an estimated $23.5 million in federal and state grant and loan funding, with more than $17 million coming from grant funds targeted to low-income students. Recently, Citi and the FAU program were recognized with the Best Partnership Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Business Civic Leadership Center.

Beyond Careers, established in 2003, is a community-based, 501(c) (3), non-profit organization headquartered in Houston, Texas, and received federal and state tax-exempt certifications on July 9, 2004.

Beyond Careers’ mission is to provide education for low- to moderate-income families and individuals (LMI), students, small businesses and the self-employed to build wealth and foster significant improvements in self-sufficiency.

For additional information about Beyond Careers and sponsorship opportunities, please email us at: [email protected] or call 281-900-6413.

http://beyondcareers.org/