How FAFSA is opening a whole new future for UCS seniors

It took about 10 minutes for Mariam Al Bakas to change her entire future.

This is the amount of time the Utica High School senior spent working with a district team to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.

The scholarship results are now the difference in her going to Wayne State University to fulfill a dream career in Radiology.

“I really can’t describe the feeling when I realized I am able to go to college,” Al Bakas said. “I cried when I found out. I can’t wait to go home and tell my family. I will be the first in my family to attend college.”

Al Bakas represents one of many success stories from across the district that stem from a team of FAFSA coaches who are working with UCS seniors to find scholarships for post-secondary schools and colleges.

“People don’t understand the amount of financial assistance that is out there for them, and the opportunities that go along with that,” said FAFSA coach Andy Davis. “They put their dream colleges out there and we can show them that suddenly this is an option. New doors are opening up for them.”

The coaches are part of a $1.5 million grant awarded to the district to fund FAFSA support.

FAFSA coaches are sitting down one on one with students to go through their applications. Generally, the process takes about 15 minutes to complete and their package is made available in two to three days. There is also a required piece for parents.

“We call them down one at a time and ask them about their goals, and then we say ‘all right, let us help you reach that goal,’”Davis said.

The FAFSA unlocks access to federal and state aid, scholarships and assistance for work-study programs, said Lisa Hallam, the UCS secondary success consultant.

“Students who don’t complete the FAFSA are leaving money – and opportunity – on the table,” she said.

Hallam said that the FAFSA has nuances that coaches understand and can mean difference for students seeking financial assistance for college or trade schools. Coaches also ensure that the forms are filled out correctly, where even minor mistakes could jeopardize scholarship opportunities.

Since the initiative began, across the district FAFSA applications have grown by 16 to 38 percent over last year, depending on the high school.

Coaches said that one reason students do not complete the FAFSA is they believe that that the application is complicated.

“The process is incredibly easy,” said coach Ed Fromm. “It was much more complicated in the past, but with the new technology it comes together seamlessly.”

In addition, many students believe their family income levels may be above scholarship criteria. Coaches can identify scholarships based on grade point level or scholarships that are available to all Michigan students, regardless of income.

“Our message is you have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” said coach Ed Fromm.

On a recent afternoon, UHS senior Robert Bird sat with Hallam to see the results of his FAFSA application. His face lit up when she showed him that he was eligible for a $5,500 scholarship to Oakland University. The scholarship is renewable up to $27,000.

“I was not sure what to expect, but Mrs. Hallam called me down and make me feel comfortable talking about it,” said Bird, who plans to become a child therapist. “It’s amazing.”

The coaches are one strategy to increase financial awards through FAFSA. During March 16-20, high schools will be using a March Madness theme to individually to link scholarships to their post-secondary plans. FAFSA information will also be included with senior parent nights this year.

The events will culminate with a Signing Day celebration on May 1.

One graduate who will be joining the celebration is Gabriel Al Naser, a future investment banker who recently learned that his FAFSA application has led to full-ride scholarship at Wayne State University.

“I didn’t know what FAFSA was before, but now it’s really helping me out,” he said. “Now I know what I want to do in the future, and I'm set.”

Source: Utica Community Schools

Superintendent Robert Monroe

Http://www.uticak12.org