AUGUSTA — The Finance Authority of Maine, which administers state and federal college grants and scholarships, has announced the 2012 schedule for free workshops on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid throughout the state.

College Goal Maine will launch on Jan. 4 and continue into February, offering free assistance with FAFSA completion, which is required by most educational institutions for financial aid consideration.

Ten free regional workshops will take place on Jan. 29, which is known in many states as College Goal Sunday.

For the past eight years, FAME’s free FAFSA completion program has drawn thousands of Maine families to locations all over the state to workshops that provide financial aid information to college-bound students and their families. All locations will again use computer labs, allowing participants to access the FAFSA online during the seminar. Line-by-line assistance will be provided by financial aid professionals from Maine colleges and universities. All attendees are encouraged to bring recent tax information or estimates. Residents of all ages who are interested in college or postsecondary education should consider attending.

Financial assistance can come from a variety of resources, including grants, scholarships, federal and other student loans, and work-study jobs. Application deadlines vary at each school, and students are urged to contact schools directly about filing deadlines.

Many financial aid applicants are filing too late for grants, loans and scholarships, according to FAME chief executive officer Beth Bordowitz. “These free workshops are designed to help Maine students of all ages access needed financial aid,” she said. “FAME wants to encourage early applications so Maine families and students can take full advantage of all available resources.”

“In this economy, any education beyond high school is valuable in acquiring a job – whether it is a one-year certificate or a two- or four-year degree,” said Bordowitz. “Gaining access to financial aid is an important step toward continuing education.”

To learn more about the College Goal Maine FAFSA workshops and locations, visit www.collegegoalsundaymaine.com or call FAME toll free at 1-800-228-3734.