FAFSA Completion Events
These FAFSA Completion Events are more hands-on than what our office had done previously. Therefore, it requires that we provide more information to students and parents in advance so that they are prepared to achieve the goal of the event: successfully submit their FAFSA.
I created an annual spreadsheet to schedule each event. I also use this spreadsheet to track when I send communications, which staff will be working each event, and class size vs. number of attendees.
It is hard to gauge the success of these events as many factors determine if a student will attend (conflict with schedule, unsure of post-secondary plans, parents have experience completing the FAFSA), however feedback from the counselors has been positive.
"What about the presentation?"
When we moved to this new format, the high school counselors were apprehensive about not having any form of a financial aid presentation for their families. I created this video that has key information that families need at the beginning of their financial aid journey. The counselors send this to Seniors and their parents to watch in advance of the completion event.
A bilingual staff member in our office translated the presentation and recorded it in Spanish as well.
Communication is key
Several of the counselors aren't sure what to tell their families about these events. Most have asked for marketing materials. AND in 2020, we had to move all events to a virtual format.
Each year I create or update and send the counselors we partner with the FAFSA Completion Checklist, After the FAFSA Checklist, and Types of Federal Student Aid to share with their families in advance. In 2020 I added a tip sheet to help navigate the Zoom format. For 2021, I created a new tip sheet to better communicate the structure of the event. I also created a social media graphic and flyer for advertising the event.
