Last Friday concluded the Department’s #FAFSAFastBreak Campaign. This Week of Action was a national effort to drive FAFSA submissions among high school seniors and returning college students.
We were so thrilled to have over 200 commitments from high school counselors, principals, superintendents, after-school programs, parent groups, non-profit organizations, and other local and state education organizations that hosted a variety of event all throughout the country.
Just over a one week span our partners hosted over 100 in-person events to encourage students and families to take advantage of the historic financial benefits afforded by the Better FAFSA. Everyone joined on the festivities including U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona who participated in a FAFSA Clinic in Harford, Connecticut.
Some other exciting and creative examples from throughout the country include:
- Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced a $500K investment to tackle FAFSA submissions; issued a proclamation, sent a letter to Arizona school leaders, school counselors and community partners.
- Missouri Governor Mike Parson put out PSA radio ad and sent a letter to high school seniors.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul sent FAFSA letters to each NY high school senior encouraging FAFSA submission and proclaimed April as Financial Aid Awareness Month to highlight financial aid opportunities for New York students and the importance of completing the FAFSA.
- The National League of Cities published a strategy, “Ways Local Leaders Can Support Residents with Better FAFSA.”
- Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi kicked-off FAFSA Week of Action by holding an event at San Juan high school.
- SUNY Chancellor John King led multiple campaigns, including partnerships with Parent Teacher Associations, unions, New York City Public Schools, public libraries, and engaging the FAFSA Completion Corps, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers amplified the Week of Action, encouraging students and families to fill out the FAFSA.
- The National Governors Association noted how governors supported students and their families with FAFSA submissions, and highlighted efforts across the country such as:
- In Delaware, the Department of Education has partnered with Stand By Me, a joint project of the State of Delaware and the United Way of Delaware, to provide additional financial aid support. They have also extended scholarship deadlines.
- In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority’s (RISLA) College Planning Center is providing support services to any students struggling to complete the FAFSA. Additionally, Governor Dan McKee raised awareness on the importance of completing the FAFSA by attending RISLA’s FAFSA Completion Event.
We are so thankful to everyone who hosted or participated on #FAFSAFastBreak Week of Action, and we would love to see and hear and share your efforts and success stories using #FAFSAFastBreak.
Did you miss the #FAFSAFastBreak campaign? No worries, there is still time to fill out your FAFSA or host an FAFSA drive event in your local area! Students can complete the FAFSA form here.
Additional FAFSA Resources
You can also find additional resources, toolkits, pro-tips, and “how to” videos on the U.S. Department of Education’s website here.
For more information about the FAFSA process, check out StudentAid.gov here. Users can click “Español” at the top right side of the page, or choose Spanish as their preferred language if they have a StudentAid.gov account.
