How five districts are working to improve FAFSA completion (2024)

Emily’s look at how districts are working overtime to increase FAFSA completions amid glitches and delays is a must read this week. She highlights a number of approaches.

Districts said they are using a multi-layered approach to communicate to students and families the importance of FAFSA completion. The initial, high-level communication is all about awareness.

FAFSA is directly tied to federal financial aid, but it also unlocks state aid and scholarships. It’s a fact of which some families, particularly those who think they may not qualify for federal Pell Grants, may not be aware.

Districts are using swag, yard signs, t-shirts worn by high school staff, QR codes, and social media to get the word out about the FAFSA, using phrases such as:

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“Do you need money for college? Complete your FAFSA!”

“Cash for College!”

Several districts transitioned to calling their events ‘Scholarship Nights’ instead of ‘FAFSA Nights’ to better message how the FAFSA impacts multiple funding sources for college.

Districts are emailing students and families checklists for completing the FAFSA and linking toonline resources. Some districts are offering virtual appointments with both English and Spanish-speaking counselors to help families start an application or correct errors from a previously submitted application.

For more, including the use of data and incentives, check out the full article on our website.

Mebane Rash, EdNC’s CEO and editor-in-chief, hosted a conversation regarding Propel NC with two statewide leaders whose names you might recognize. Here is what she said about the interview:

This new funding model focuses on workforce sectors with incentives for high-demand, high-wage jobs.

Recently, I sat down withNC ChamberCEO Gary Salamido and N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox to talk about why they are excited aboutPropel NCand what it means for North Carolina’s businesses and economy.

You can find the video embedded on our website.

The House Standing Committee on Community Colleges recently gave a unanimously favorable report recently to the $99 million bill to change how the state funds community colleges, according to Liz Bell’s reporting. The bill goes in front of the House appropriations committee next.

House committee approves community college request to change funding model

Alli Lindenberg recently profiled Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech). SEA-Tech is a Cooperative Innovative High School.

In the 2022-23 school year, 50% of SEA-Tech students used the technical education they received from high school and went straight to work.

SEA-Tech offers four differentCareer Academiesoptions to students: constructions trades, health and fitness, culinary and hospitality management, and information technology. Within those four academies, students can choose different subjects to gain hands-on career and technical experience.

The Career Academies offer two-to-three year programs with specialized courses through the high school or atCape Fear Community College. Several of the academies offer industry recognized credentialing opportunities at the time of course completion. The CTE programs require an internship in the respective area of study for completion. The internships vary in length, and some are paid, while others are not. Regardless, students get hands-on experience while enrolled.

Check out Alli’s full article on our website.

Alli also recently profiled Pam Gonzalez, who is a counselor at Greene Early College High School — where she was previously a student.

Attending early college changed the trajectory of first-generation college graduate Pam Gonzalez’s educational career. From not knowing if a postsecondary education was possible to graduating from her top choice of university, Gonzalez achieved her dreams through the support of her friends, teachers, and community. Now, she’s helping other students achieve their goals right back where it all started for her at Greene Early College High School.

Established in 2006, Greene Early College High School formed from a collaboration betweenLenoir Community CollegeandGreene County Schools. Like other early colleges, the high school gives students the opportunity to earn college credits and a degree at an accelerated pace. Students can earn their high school diploma, certificates, or an associate degree in arts or sciences all while in high school. Gonzalez is now the college liaison for the school.

This advice from Gonzalez is something we would all do well to remember:

“I learned so much and that there was more than just Greene County. As a social worker, you’re usually trained or taught to look at the bigger picture. So that’s really when I started looking at the bigger picture in regards to learning myself. ‘Okay, where do I come from?’ And then, ‘Where do my classmates come from?’” said Gonzalez.

You can read the rest of her story in Alli’s article.

Child care cliff looms |Our excellent early childhood team has steadily covered the looming “cliff” for federal funding for child care centers in North Carolina and across the nation. Liz Bell brings the reality of the cliff, and its consequences, to life by sharing the story of Shalicia Jackson. Give this article a read today.

Richmond CC president announces retirement |Dr. Dale McInnis will retire from Richmond Community College this October after 22 years of service, including serving as president for 14 years. McInnis shared the following statement:

“The opportunity to lead this college has been a great blessing to me and my family. Building this wonderful team and helping the people of Richmond and Scotland counties has been a labor of love and satisfaction for me,” said McInnis during a called meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday. “I believe I am leaving the College in a good place at the right time. Our culture, enrollment and financial status are strong, our future prospects are bright, and we have the best set of employees I have ever worked with.”

McInnis’ last day will be Oct. 31. He has served in a variety of roles across the community college system across his 32 years.

Craven CC to break ground on $25 million facility |Craven Community College will break ground on a new $25 million public safety facility in Craven County this fall. The facility will have multiple phases, but the plan eventually calls for everything from a burn pad for fire training to an indoor shooting range. The college has signed a 40-year lease for the 30 acres of land.

Wilkes CC Promise program continues to grow |The Wilkes Journal-Patriot provided an update on the Wilkes CC Education Promise scholarship in an article they published last week:

NC Reconnect is among the programs spotlighted by Paul Fain in the most recent issue of The Job. Here is an excerpt:

“It’s hard to ask an adult learner who has already enrolled in college but didn’t obtain the life change they had hoped for to go right back to the same campus,” Krause says. “But we are seeing they will absolutely return if they sense anew opportunity to provide intergenerational success for their kids and families via a short-term credential.”

Fully 30% of the students who re-enrolled through the NC Reconnect program are pursuing certificates. And many are seeking skills rather than a degree.

One way employers can do more to advance the program’s work is by sharing their mid- and long-term hiring needs with college leaders, Krause says, so students are equipped with the information they need to choose a credential program.

Earn-and-learn opportunities also are a big draw. Krause points to one NC Reconnect institution,Wayne Community College, which is running an ad campaign for theirapprenticeship programthat makes clear that learners will be paid while they are enrolled and en route to a job with a partner employer.

Nation Hahn

Nation Hahn is the chief of growth for EducationNC.