FAFSA Assistance

media release: There’s still time for Wisconsin high school seniors to unlock more than $15,000 on average in student financial aid to attend college for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. 

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to receiving federal and state aid to attend college, aid that does not need to be paid back. Filling out this form can also help students qualify for a variety of scholarship opportunities. 

Governor Tony Evers has declared April 15-19 as National FAFSA Week of Action. “Wisconsin is down over 10,200 FAFSA® submissions completed from this same time last year due to the delays and challenges with the 2024-2025 FAFSA® launch this year,” Governor Evers said in his press release. Currently, Wisconsin ranks number 36 nationwide, with 25.5 percent of seniors completing a FAFSA.

This week’s national FAFSA® Week of Action encourages high school counselors, principals, superintendents, after-school programs, parent groups, nonprofit organizations, and local and state education organizations to assist students and families in completing the FAFSA® as the first step toward achieving their college and career aspirations.

Free help is available for high school students to complete their FAFSA® through the Fair Opportunity Project, a non-profit organization offering free, one-on-one FAFSA help with trained volunteers via phone calls, one-on-one sessions, and virtual meetings to confidently navigate the application process and unlock important financial resources. On average, a FAFSA® video appointment with a Fair Opportunity Project volunteer takes just 25 minutes, making the FAFSA® quick and stress-free as possible.

In addition, The Fair Opportunity Project, in conjunction with College Goal Wisconsin, is also offering a free virtual FAFSA® completion event on April 24 at 6 p.m. The event will include at least one bilingual Spanish/English volunteer. Participants also have an opportunity to win one of three $100 Visa gift cards. Register at https://lu.ma/Get-FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA is especially crucial for low-income, rural, and first-generation students, who often face greater college affordability barriers.

Visit https://www.fairopportunityproject.org/ to schedule a free, one-on-one FAFSA video appointment with a trained volunteer.