Through grant funding, NACAC will enable schools and CBOs to provide needed FAFSA assistance to students. 

By Rachel Williams, NACAC Communications

Arlington, VA (June 3, 2024) – Through a grant from Strada Education Foundation, NACAC is supporting schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) in delivering FAFSA assistance to students through the summer. This comes as the 2023-24 school year winds down and millions fewer students have yet to submit a FAFSA form due to the faulty rollout of the updated FAFSA.

For years, NACAC research and advocacy have emphasized the connection between counselors, students, the FAFSA, and college entrance, noting that students who work with a school counselor are seven times more likely to submit a FAFSA, four times more likely to enter postsecondary education, and twice as likely to enroll in a four-year college. As such, it is critical that students have access to school counselors over the summer who can assist them in submitting their FAFSA form and obtaining other means of financial aid.

“With many school counselors and school-based college advisors on 10-month contracts, additional financial support will be required once the academic year ends to ensure students receive expert help in making the transition to postsecondary education,” said Angel B. Pérez, NACAC CEO.

In collaboration with its 23 state and regional affiliates, schools and CBOs will be identified to receive funding. Priority will be given to schools with low FAFSA completion rates and a high percentage of students who are eligible for free- and reduced-price lunch.

This initiative coincides with the U.S. Department of Education’s recently announced $50 million that’s allocated to help school districts, nonprofits, and other public and private organizations boost FAFSA completion. NACAC advocated for this federal support through a letter and other efforts, which remain ongoing.

In addition to advocacy, NACAC has been assisting school counselors, students, and families navigate the FAFSA crisis through education and resources, including NACAC’s Enrollment Deadlines Directory that gives up-to-date information on if member institutions have changed their enrollment and financial aid deadlines due to the FAFSA delays.