This Action Lab focuses on strategies for increasing completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to expand access to postsecondary education. It includes an overview of several different strategies to increase FAFSA completion with state examples, along with state team time and access to subject-matter experts. Strategies discussed include those that target traditional high school students, the lost COVID cohort, and adults.
Agenda
Welcome & Overview
Tiffani Williams, ESG, welcomes the group and shares an overview of the agenda for the afternoon.
Understanding the Importance
Lauren Norton, ESG, introduces FAFSA as a key lever for recovery and why increasing completion is important.
An Update from Federal Student Aid (FSA) and National College Attainment Network (NCAN)
This session features two national perspectives:
- • Ashley Harrington, Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer at the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid
- • Bill DeBaun, Senior Director of Data and Strategic Initiatives, National College Attainment Network
State-Level FAFSA Completion Strategies in Action
Rachel Hirsch, NGA, moderates a panel and Q&A on FAFSA completion strategies in action.
High School Graduation Requirement
- • Alabama
- Nick Moore – Director of the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation
- • Louisiana
- Dr. Tireka Cobb – Field Outreach Services Director, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
Campaign/Challenge
- • Kentucky
- Missy Ross – Associate Director, Communications and Outreach at GEAR UP Kentucky
Use of Data
- • North Carolina
- Cris Charbonneau – Director of Advocacy and Engagement at myFutureNC
Summary
Tiffani Williams, ESG, will summarize opportunities for states and institutions to effect change.
