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Greetings,
A recent study from the U.S. Department of Education reported that FAFSA filings for 2009-10 are up by 20.8% – wow! The same report mentioned that the 2008 and 2009 high school graduating classes are the largest on record – which means that even more students may be applying for college and financial aid. This reinforces the need for the work that we do every day.
As college access counselors and financial aid professionals you have the opportunity to reach your targeted populations early. By helping students and families complete the FAFSA successfully, you can alleviate some of their stress and assure them that they will have money to pay for college.
If you work with high school students: Start thinking about outreach plans for next fall. Schedule workshops to help your incoming seniors prepare to fill out the FAFSA so they can be prepared and apply for financial aid early. The earlier they apply, the better chance they'll have at receiving all of the federal grants and loans that they qualify for.
If you work with students with special circumstances: Start talking to them about college before their senior year. Help them understand that college is possible for them, too. Work with them one-on-one so they have the help they need to complete the FAFSA accurately for their situation. Have answers to questions that may be difficult for them to answer, such as questions about wards of the court and foster youth.
If you work with returning adult students: Schedule workshops specifically for adults who are returning to school and need help with financial aid and the FAFSA. Partner with tax preparers, career centers, or adult education centers to help answer questions adults may have as they complete the FAFSA. Have additional information on hand about education tax credits and deductions, which many adults use to help pay for their education.
By offering more outreach to students and families, we can help them fill out the FAFSA early and accurately the first time. This makes the process less stressful and helps ensure that students and families get the financial aid they need when they need it. Because, as well all know, financial aid is one of the keys that opens the door to higher education.
Until next time,
La Toya Sykes, Director
Outreach and Access Awareness
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