FAFSA Completion
Campaign objectives:
- Get all College Bound seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the form that is required to apply for federal and state financial assistance for higher education and to maintain their eligibility for the College Bound Scholarship
- Raise awareness to all students, families and school staff about the importance of filing the FAFSA early to maximize the funds available to support college education
- Provide opportunities for families to get information and one-on-one assistance so that they can complete the FAFSA
With the success of the College Bound sign-up campaign, our region needs to continue to build a strong system of supports throughout high school and beyond so that students who are signed up for the College Bound Scholarship can maintain their eligibility and go on to enroll in college and complete a degree or career credential. One of the critical steps is for students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible (beginning January 1st!). The Washington Student Achievement Council recommends students file the FAFSA by Feb. 1 to ensure they receive the best financial aid package for which they are eligible.
Research also demonstrates that access to financial aid clearly influences students’ postsecondary decisions, and completion of the FAFSA form significantly increases students’ likelihood of enrolling in a four-year college (U.S. Department of Education, 2011).
This campaign aims to increase the percent of graduating College Bound students who have filed a complete FAFSA, an important Road Map Project Indicator of Student Success.
2012 campaign
Twenty-eight free College Goal Sunday and FAFSA completion events were held in the Road Map region in 2012, compared to only 15 events the previous year. More events had been scheduled in 2012, but some had to be cancelled due to weather. Here are some campaign highlights:
- Total attendance: 1,408
- FAFSA Filers: 907
- Volunteers: 419
2013 campaign
In addition to College Goal Sunday events led by the Northwest Education Loan Association, the Road Map Project is partnering with United Way of King County to increase outreach and provide FAFSA support at all United Way of King County tax centers.
Please check back soon for results from the 2013 campaign.
85% of Class of 2012 high school seniors who signed up for the College Bound Scholarship submitted the FAFSA.
