This year the Corpus Christi region has led the state in FAFSA completions. Learn how their approach has benefited their region during this year’s FAFSA cycle.

In the realm of education and career advancement, few resources hold as much potential for students as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Yet, for many individuals, navigating the FAFSA process can be daunting, laden with complexities and uncertainties. In the Coastal Bend region of South Texas, however, Education to Employment Partners (E2E) is changing the narrative, spearheading efforts to demystify FAFSA and empower students to access vital financial assistance.

For E2E, the journey towards FAFSA success is emblematic of its broader mission to improve educational attainment and job opportunities in the Coastal Bend. With a steadfast commitment to serving the community, E2E has forged strategic partnerships and deployed innovative strategies to streamline the FAFSA process and maximize student participation. As of April 26, Corpus Christi (Region 2) is tied for the #1 spot in the state when it comes to FAFSA completion at 53%.

Thoughtful Preparation
The foundation of E2E’s success is rooted in thoughtful preparation. With a dedicated focus on serving students and families effectively, E2E established a Resource Center. The center is a central hub for accessing FAFSA assistance and educational resources at no cost throughout the academic year. Furthermore, E2E places great emphasis on equipping its team with tools and best practices, ensuring the delivery of top-tier support to students and families. By mandating specific training for their advisors, such as the TxCAN/uAspire Training and rootEd Alliance trainings, E2E ensures the proficiency of its advisors and also fosters a culture of knowledge sharing across the region. Through a train-the-trainer model, advisors disseminate their acquired expertise, amplifying the impact of E2E’s mission to support students.

Personalized Support
At the core of E2E’s approach lies a dedication to personalized support. Recognizing that each student’s journey is unique, E2E has invested in a network of post-secondary advisors embedded in half of the high schools across the region. These advisors serve as trusted mentors, guiding students through every step of the FAFSA process, from submission to completion. Prior to the FAFSA opening in late December 2023, E2E had 85% of students and parents in the schools they serve complete their FSA ID login. Once students were back in school after the holiday break, advisors were could focus solely on assisting students with FAFSA submissions. This strategy put the region ahead of the curve.

Ongoing Collaboration
Additionally, a key to E2E’s success is its emphasis on collaboration and partnership. By leveraging alliances with organizations like rootEd Alliance, AmeriCorps, and the Texas Impact Network, E2E has amplified its impact and expanded its reach. Through shared resources and collective action, E2E and its partners have transformed FAFSA from a barrier to an opportunity, opening doors to higher education for countless students.

Looking ahead, E2E remains steadfast in its mission to unlock opportunities through FAFSA and beyond. As the organization continues to innovate and adapt to evolving needs, its dedication to student success remains unwavering. Through thoughtful preparation, personalized support, ongoing collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, E2E is poised to shape a brighter future for the Coastal Bend region and beyond, one FAFSA application at a time.

Author

Jeffrey West is a bilingual business professional with experience across various industries and disciplines. Currently serving as the Executive Director for Education to Employment Partners in Corpus Christi, TX, Mr. West works to bring people, information, and resources together to improve the quality of educational attainment and career development services being offered in our community. Mr. West holds a Bachelor of Science (BSBA) degree in Business Administration & Management from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Mr. West also serves on the Board of Directors for the Corpus Christi Literacy Council and is passionate about educational attainment as a means to lifelong prosperity.