The Senior Parent Night at Salem High School on September 30, 2025, focused on the critical topic of college affordability, featuring a presentation by Brian Gardner, co-founder and executive director of College Affordable. The event aimed to equip parents with essential information regarding financial aid and the college application process.

The meeting commenced with an introduction by Megan, who emphasized the importance of financial aid in the college planning journey. Gardner took the stage, acknowledging the audience's anticipation for the Red Sox game while expressing his commitment to delivering valuable insights on navigating the financial aid landscape.

Gardner shared his personal experiences as a parent of three college students, highlighting the common pitfalls families encounter during the financial aid process. He underscored the significance of early engagement with financial aid resources, noting that many families mistakenly believe assistance is only for low-income students. He encouraged all families to seek help, regardless of their financial situation, to maximize their opportunities for funding.

A key point of Gardner's presentation was the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) accurately and on time. He revealed that a significant number of eligible students fail to complete the FAFSA, resulting in billions of dollars in unclaimed financial aid. He urged parents to take proactive steps in understanding the financial aid process and to utilize the resources available through College Affordable, which offers free assistance to families.

Gardner also discussed the various types of financial aid available, including grants, scholarships, and loans, and emphasized the need for families to be informed consumers in this complex landscape. He highlighted the potential for significant financial savings through proper planning and understanding of merit-based aid, which can substantially reduce college costs.

The presentation concluded with Gardner sharing success stories from previous years, illustrating the positive impact of College Affordable's assistance on families' financial aid outcomes. He encouraged parents to remain engaged and informed throughout the college application process, reinforcing that taking control of financial planning can alleviate stress and enhance the overall experience for both parents and students.

Overall, the Senior Parent Night served as a vital platform for educating families about the financial aspects of college preparation, fostering a collaborative approach to navigating the challenges of college affordability.