Florida Guardian ad Litem Academy

 This Financial Aid Overview session will offer participants a thorough understanding of the financial aid process from start to finish. Attendees will learn how financial aid is typically awarded across federal, state, institutional, and private sources, including scholarships.

The session will also highlight the specific roles of key agencies involved in financial aid administration, including the U.S. Department of Education—particularly Federal Student Aid (FSA)—the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), postsecondary institutions (colleges, universities, and technical centers), and private funding organizations.

Special emphasis will be placed on how these resources and processes apply to the student populations served by this audience.

Bio:

Pedro R. Hernandez currently serves as the Director of Outreach Services for the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). In this role, he oversees the administration of more than 20 state-funded scholarship and grant programs. He has held this position since 2009.

Pedro earned his bachelor’s degree in international Affairs with a concentration in Economics from Florida State University. His career in financial aid began as a college work-study student in FSU’s financial aid office, laying the foundation for more than 20 years of experience in the field.

Original Webinar Date: October 24, 2025

Presenters:  Pedro R. Hernandez, Director of Outreach Services- Department of Education