By MorraLee Keller, Senior Director of Strategic Programming
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When the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens in December 2023, it will incorporate the greatest changes to the postsecondary financial aid application process since the FAFSA went online in 1997. The Better FAFSA, as the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has named it, will feature expanded eligibility for federal financial aid and a better user experience for many students. It will also incorporate many changes to accustomed
terminology, processes, and methodology. The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) is pleased that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Kresge Foundation have
each provided $250,000 grants this spring so that NCAN can provide high-quality, accessible information and training about the Better FAFSA to organizations supporting students of color and from low-income backgrounds.
“Ensuring a smooth implementation of Better FAFSA this year for students with the greatest needs is our top priority,” NCAN CEO Kim Cook said. “With the new form and user experience coming, everyone who assists students with FAFSA must receive updated
training. These two foundations are helping NCAN lead the way in informing and preparing our member organizations, the college access and success field, and high school counselors from every state.”
With this generous grant funding, NCAN will make in-person or virtual training widely available. NCAN’s communications team will also provide timely and targeted resources throughout the year. NCAN’s efforts will include the following:
Better FAFSA Train-the-Trainer Summit in Washington, DC, July 19-20, 2023, for approximately 500 individuals with content created and delivered
by NCAN and FSA. The event will not only provide training, but also galvanize and strengthen partnerships among those responsible for training in their own organizations, communities or states. At least two individuals per state will attend at
no cost, and registration for additional NCAN members is only $149.
“How to Complete the Better FAFSA” virtual trainings free to all NCAN members in August through December 2023, recorded for subsequent viewing. These webinars will be based on the same materials as the Train-the-Trainer Summit.
Better FAFSA Completion training toolkit, available to NCAN members and partners in August 2023. The toolkit will include FAFSA completion training slides, an instructor guide, sample messaging, and handouts such as “What to Bring
to FAFSA Night” and “What to Do After Submitting Your FAFSA.” Certain topics developed by FSA will also be included, such as “Who Is Your Parent” and “How to Set Up FSA IDs for Undocumented Individuals.”
Better FAFSA completion “post-conference” in-person training in Dallas, TX, on Wednesday, October 18, for up to 1,000 local school counselors, local nonprofits, and NCAN national conference attendees. NCAN will hold the event in partnership
with TxCAN to encourage attendance from around the Dallas area.
Awareness, media campaign and outreach campaigns throughout 2023 via email, newsletters, social media, speaking opportunities, and media relations. NCAN will share timely messages and information to educate the field about the changes
and support their work to inform partners, students, and families.
Getting students and families through the Better FAFSA in a condensed timeframe will pose challenges. Building a critical mass of people around the country to carry the message and provide informed assistance will help ensure that our students can still
access the financial aid critical to their postsecondary plans.
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