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Scam Alert!

Phone and text scams are currently underway targeting Erie residents and possibly other Pennsylvania residents offering “Pennsylvania Loan Forgiveness”. If you are contacted from someone stating:

“We are reaching out to you because your student loan has been flagged for the Pennsylvania forgiveness program. You are eligible to receive full forgiveness. This applies to all Pennsylvania residents. Please call our office back at (717) 573-8721 to be connected to your loan counselor. Again, that number is (717) 573-8721. Thank you.”

This is a scam! You should contact your loan servicer directly for any questions about legitimate loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, if you have been contacted about a loan forgiveness scam, a complaint may be filed with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

2025-26 PA State Grant Update

The first step to apply for the 2025-26 PA State Grant is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) at StudentAid.gov. The FAFSA must be submitted by the deadline in order to be eligible for a PA State Grant.

Once you submit the FAFSA, PHEAA will trigger the next step in the PA State Grant process. Renewal students shouldn't have any other actions to take. First-time applicants must complete additional forms; we will email you when it's time to sign in and supply the needed information. We will let students and schools know when we send these emails by updating our website and social media channels. Follow PHEAA for continued updates.

Apply Now!

or call 1-844-PAFORWD

Primary Schools

PA Mental Health Education Learning Program in Schools (PA HELPS) Information

This state-funded program encourages students to complete internships in school-based mental health fields in Pennsylvania and obtain their employment and certifications in a Pennsylvania Local Education Agency (LEA).

PHEAA administers the funding to support qualifying interns completing Educational Specialist Preparation Program requirements at a Pennsylvania postsecondary institution. The funds are awarded and disbursed to the LEA where the intern completes their internship.

Is My LEA Eligible?

To be considered for PA HELPS the LEA must:

Be located in Pennsylvania.
Be a school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school, or cyber charter school.
Complete and execute a PA HELPS LEA Application and Agreement.
Provide PHEAA with a copy of the agreement establishing the internship between the LEA and the school