Eagles' Chris Long teaming with Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative to help college students

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Chris Long helping students learn about financial aid.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long is on a mission to help students prepare for college and apply for financial aid.

The Chris Long Foundation and the Philadelphia Eagles have teamed up with former First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher/Better Make Room initiatives and Summer Search, a youth development nonprofit.

The goal of their partnership is to help college aspiring students from low-income backgrounds across the nation apply to college, get the financial aid they need, and find the support they need to graduate.

"As you know, educational equity and helping young people succeed in school is important to me and the entire Philadelphia Eagles team...today, we want you to know that part of succeeding in college is getting all the financial support you need and we're here to help," Long said in a video released Wednesday.

The initiative aims to help students fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Student Aid.

"The sooner you apply, the more money you can receive," Long said.

In the video, Long says it might be challenging for those who are first in their families to attend college not only to apply, but to also fill out the financial aid forms. He suggests students should ask a teacher, counselor, or mentor for help.

Reach Higher/Better Make Room offers text message support for those filling out the FAFSA at www.bettermakeroom.org.

Reach Higher is Michelle Obama's effort for students to complete their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.

This season, Long pledged to donate his game checks to support educational equity in Philadelphia, Boston and St. Louis, the three locations that he played in during his 10-year career.