As educators or school counselors, you play a crucial role in guiding students toward their academic and career aspirations. One key aspect of this guidance is assisting students in navigating the financial landscape of higher education. Increasing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rate is not only beneficial for individual students but also contributes to the overall success and accessibility of higher education. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies for school counselors to boost FAFSA completion rates and empower students on their educational journey.
Early and Regular Communication
Start the FAFSA conversation early. Engage with students and their parents during junior year or even earlier. Regularly communicate the importance of completing the FAFSA and highlight key deadlines to ensure that students and their families are well-informed. In addition, check out the official FAFSA website for more information to provide to students and parents.
Host FAFSA Information Sessions
Organize informational sessions or workshops specifically focused on FAFSA completion. Then, provide step-by-step guidance, answer common questions, and address concerns that students and parents may have about the application process. Again, you will want to rely on the official FAFSA website for accurate and up-to-date information.
Utilize Technology
Leverage technology to streamline the FAFSA application process. You can do so by sharing online resources, tutorials, and video guides that walk students through each section of the FAFSA. Furthermore, consider hosting virtual Q&A sessions to address any uncertainties.
One-on-One Counseling Sessions
Schedule individual counseling sessions with students and their parents to discuss their unique financial situations. Personalized guidance can alleviate concerns and ensure that families understand the implications of the FAFSA on their specific circumstances. Additionally, counselors or advisors may also provide 1:1 appointments to guide students and parents with the FAFSA application process.
Highlight Success Stories
Showcase success stories of students who have benefitted from completing the FAFSA. Personal narratives can inspire and motivate others to take the necessary steps. As a result, consider creating a bulletin board or digital display featuring testimonials from former students.
Collaborate with Teachers
Partner with teachers to incorporate FAFSA-related activities into the curriculum. This could include class assignments that involve researching financial aid options or projects that emphasize the importance of completing the FAFSA for future academic success.
Peer-to-Peer Support
Establish peer mentorship programs where students who have successfully completed the FAFSA can guide and support their peers. Sometimes, hearing advice from someone in a similar situation can be more relatable and encouraging.
Create a FAFSA Completion Challenge
Foster a sense of friendly competition by creating a FAFSA completion challenge within the student body. For example, recognize and celebrate classes or grade levels with the highest completion rates, offering incentives or rewards for participation.
Host Financial Aid Nights
Organize events dedicated to financial aid, where representatives from colleges, universities, or financial aid organizations can provide insights and guidance. This provides students and parents with direct access to experts who can address their specific concerns. Feel free to also have fun with this by creating themes (i.e. Turkey Turn Up, Fin Aid Apps are not Spooky, Appchella, etc).
Follow up and Reminders
Implement a system for regular follow-ups and reminders as key FAFSA deadlines approach. For instance, utilize email, text messaging, or other communication channels to keep students and parents informed and motivated to complete the application. Apps such as the Remind app offer a great way for educators to create classroom channels for students and send text messages. Just be sure to check in with your school’s administration for approval.
Conclusion:
As school counselors, the role in supporting students through the FAFSA process is pivotal. By implementing these strategies, you can empower students to overcome challenges and access the financial resources they need to pursue higher education. Boosting FAFSA completion rates not only opens doors for individual students but also contributes to creating a more informed and educated society.
