Note: Since this article was originally published, FSA has announced that the Better FAFSA will open by December 31, 2023.
Last week, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) wrapped up our long-planned, in-person Better FAFSA Train-the-Trainer Summit. The July 19-20 event took place at the
historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC and brought together 530 college access and success professionals from all 50 states and the District of Columbia for two days of presentations, discussions, networking,
and more. Ideally, attendees will now return to their organizations and communities armed with the information and resources they need to train others who will also assist students with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion.
The summit kicked off on July 19 with a Better FAFSA State Policy and Strategy Breakfast at which more than 100 state policy leaders gathered to discuss, among other topics, their key priorities and how to center equity in their plans related to the Better
FAFSA. During the breakfast, state policy leaders had the chance to share many creative strategies that they are acting on with their peers from other states. NCAN also walked participants through our state policy toolkit, which contains key information about state financial aid systems, customizable templates, flyers, and infographics. Many of those present expressed a strong desire to continue the conversation, and NCAN is
committed to facilitating additional opportunities like this one so that states can continue to learn from one another.
Day one continued with staff from the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) providing summit attendees with an exclusive first look at the draft 2024-25 FAFSA, which is set to open by December 31. FSA staff also discussed the FAFSA submission summary, 2024-25 application cycle changes, and answered questions during a half hour-long Q&A session. The day concluded with an outdoor
reception.
Day Two
July 20 started early with breakfast and a review of the first day of training. Following this, attendees broke into smaller groups and were presented with numerous scenarios and advised by 25 FAFSA experts before reconvening to discuss the scenarios and their potential solutions with FSA staff. FSA and NCAN also shared their respective Better FAFSA resources and tools.
The highlight of day two (and perhaps the entire summit) was the remarks made by the US of Education Under Secretary of Education
James Kvaal. In his speech, Kvaal touched on the importance of the work NCAN and our members do, the changes coming to the Better FAFSA, and the challenges that lie ahead. He was introduced by NCAN’s Communications Intern Alondra Vallejo, who is a
student at the George Washington University and a federal financial aid recipient herself.
NCAN extends a special thank you to FSA for their partnership and willingness to share their resources and insight as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Kresge Foundation for making this event possible. NCAN also thanks all the state agencies, community-based programs, school counselors, financial aid administrators, and other attendees for travelling to the nation’s capital
to learn more about the Better FAFSA.
Email to a Friend
