Promising Practice: FAFSA Workshops
An astounding 70% of Port Orford/Langlois' Pacific High School seniors filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in 2013, thanks in part to workshops for students and parents that guide participants through the process. The workshops are held at various times during the school day, in the evening and by appointment to accommodate different schedules and provide support for this critical step for college entry.
"One of the best ways I have found [to get the word out to parents] is to put info in the local paper," says Cindy Pogwizd, GEAR UP coordinator at Pacific High School. "Then we call home the day/night of event to remind parents about the event and ALWAYS tell them there is food."
Their goal for this year's FAFSA completion rate for seniors? 95%.
At Taft High School in Lincoln City, when most students (and teachers!) were savoring the final few days of winter break, seniors were hard at work - completing the FAFSA the day it opened on January 1.
Counselor and GEAR UP coordinator Vicky Roller organized the first-annual New Years Day FAFSA Party at the behest of students. Food, drinks, and a raffle made the event fun for seniors.
Want to host your own FAFSA event?
- Parent Engagement Toolkit - presentations and agendas on the basics of financial aid
- Federal Student Aid Toolkit - info and resources on conducting outreach and hosting events
- Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel - short, simple videos on financial aid and the FAFSA process
- 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA - video tutorial walking through each step
