As we officially move into summer, we want to make sure our graduates and their families don’t miss one of the most important steps in securing financial support for college. Starting Wednesday, June 4, the PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) has begun reaching out to students, including our McCaskey High School graduates, who are eligible to complete the PA State Grant Form (SGF), a critical part of the financial aid process for anyone attending college in Pennsylvania.
Whether you’re part of the McCaskey Class of 2025, a returning college student, or a recent FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applicant, here’s what you need to know to avoid missing out on up to $5,000 in state grant funding, aid that does not need to be repaid!
What’s the PA State Grant and why does it matter?
The PA State Grant is a need-based financial aid award provided by the state to help Pennsylvania students afford the cost of higher education. This money does not have to be paid back and can make a major difference in covering tuition, housing, and other school-related expenses.
If you’re planning to attend a Pennsylvania college or university for the 2025–26 school year, completing the SGF could put thousands of dollars in your hands money that many students depend on to stay in school.
How will students be contacted?
Beginning Wednesday, June 4, 2025, PHEAA will send email notifications to eligible students using the email address they provided on the FAFSA. These emails will:
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Direct students to their Account Access dashboard on pheaa.org
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Indicate whether the SGF is required
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Provide instructions for completing the process
Emails will come from StateGrantsandSpecialPrograms2@pheaa.org. Please add this email to your contacts to ensure it doesn’t get lost in a spam or junk folder.
If no valid email address is on file, PHEAA will send a letter by U.S. mail encouraging the student to complete the SGF online.
Heads up for returning students: Even if you filled out the SGF last year for the 2024–25 academic year, you may be required to complete it again. This is a change from previous years, so be sure to log in and check.
How to Complete the PA State Grant Form (SGF)
Students can visit pheaa.org at any time and follow these steps:
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Open the Sign In menu
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Select “Borrowers & Students”
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Click “Continue to AES Account Access”
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Sign in or create a new account
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If you’ve already created an account (e.g., for the Grow PA Scholarship Grant), use those credentials, no need to start over
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Once logged in, look for the SGF on your dashboard if it’s required
You don’t need to wait for your email log in today and take the next step in securing your college funding.
We’re here to help: Future Ready Summer Support
We know this process can feel overwhelming but you’re not in it alone. The School District of Lancaster’s Future Ready Team is available this summer to assist students and families with all things financial aid, including the SGF.
We’ll also be announcing free State Grant Completion Workshops to help walk you through the process in person. Stay tuned for more information and dates, coming soon.
If you have any questions or run into issues, reach out to your school counselor or contact the Future Ready Team directly. We’re committed to helping every student in our district access the tools and support they need for postsecondary success.