Director’s Note
Happy New Year, partners! I hope you had time to rest, recharge, and plan for the year.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re talking about all things FAFSA and financial aid. You probably already know that a new FAFSA form came out at the end of December. The form has fewer questions – and more students will qualify for federal Pell grants. That’s the good news!
The not-so-good news is that people have experienced issues accessing the form and filling it out, including me and my senior! That means we have to double down on providing support for students and families as they work through the new process. Our state is 47th in the country in FAFSA completion, yet we have some of the best state financial aid programs available to help our students pay for two- and four-year degrees and apprenticeship programs.
We know students want to explore a post-high school education. To help them reach that goal, we need them to understand their financial aid options. Thanks for all you are doing to support that effort!
Angela Jones
Director, Washington State Initiative
9 financial aid facts in Washington state
Did you know: You don’t need to attend college full-time to access financial aid?
- State and federal aid programs also provide funding for things like apprenticeships and career certifications.
- Washington also has a grant program–Washington College Grant (WA Grant) –that could potentially fund a students’ entire college.
Why it matters: Nearly 90% of high school students in our state say they want to pursue some kind of career training or postsecondary program after high school, and many of them say cost is a significant barrier.
- Share these nine facts to spread the word about Washington’s financial aid resources that can help our students see a clear path to success after high school graduation.
Read more: 9 Facts about financial aid in Washington state
College Success Foundation profiled in The Seattle Times
As The Seattle Times reports, the College Success Foundation (CSF) recently expanded its advising services to reach more students at 28 public high schools in Washington state. While still focusing on all students, CSF is tailoring some of its offerings to particular student groups.
- At the Port Angeles School District, for example, counselors invited Native American students on a tour of state college campuses that have dedicated spaces for Indigenous communities, including longhouses.
- We recently provided funding to help CSF evaluate the impact of this approach. We’re excited to see what they learn!
Why it matters: Giving students consistent access to trusted adults is key to boosting postsecondary enrollment rates.
- Last year, around 61% of the students at high schools with CSF staff went to college within a year of graduating.
- That’s 10 percentage points above both the statewide average and what students receiving CSF support achieved the year prior.
Read more: Nonprofit stages huge expansion to send more WA kids to college
Washington state is a leader in state financial aid
Each year, the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs (NASSGAP) completes a survey that looks at state-funded student financial aid. Their latest survey is out, and Washington state ranks high in several categories.
- When adjusted for total undergraduate enrollment, Washington state gave out the most need-based state financial aid in the country.
- Our state was in the top seven for total state aid as well, regardless of population size or enrollment totals.
Why it matters: We clearly have a strong state financial aid program, but too many students aren’t accessing this money right now.
- Washington is 47th in the country in FAFSA completion, the form students have to fill out to receive state and federal aid.
- Just 50% of high school graduates enroll in a two- or four-year degree program.
If we can raise awareness and increase FAFSA completions, we can ensure money isn’t the biggest concern for a lot of young people who want to enroll in and complete college.
Read more: Washington state ranks first in the nation for need-based financial aid
Coming soon: Lead our Limitless Learning Network
Next month, we will release an RFP to find an organization to serve as the permanent Limitless Learning Network manager.
- The Limitless Learning Network is bringing 25 local partnerships in Washington state together to share information and explore ideas that help more students make a successful transition from high school into a postsecondary program.
We’re grateful to Education First for successfully launching Limitless.
- Now, we’re looking for a permanent Learning Network manager.
Could that be your organization? Head to our website to learn more and check out our next newsletter to get notified when our RFP is live.
Tacoma featured in ESG’s Cultivating Connections
Education Strategy Group wanted to know how schools, districts, and communities could help students build social capital.
- With funding support from our national Education Pathways team, ESG worked with 10 communities over the last two years to answer this question.
ESG created a website and case studies to share what they learned.
- Make sure you check out the case study from Tacoma, which notes how a College Success Foundation advisor at Lincoln High School built relationships inside and outside the school – and with students – to create a meaningful afterschool program focused on career development.
Learn more: Check out this great resource
What We’re Reading
- FAFSA filing tips for the 2024-25 academic year, Forbes
- New report shows millions of rural students facing multiple crises after COVID, The74
- Celebrating School Board Recognition Month: Honoring one of the cornerstones of public education, WSSDA
- Education stories we’re watching in 2024, Chalkbeat
- Ensure equal funding for WA’s charter public schools, The Seattle Times