Each year, the FAFSA committee in Region 19 demonstrates unwavering dedication, going the extra mile to help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Despite various barriers last school year including the delayed release of the Better FAFSA form, the FAFSA committee—composed of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and higher education partners like El Paso Community College (EPCC) and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)—has proven remarkable resilience and creativity in its approach.

Impactful Strategies

Throughout the school year, committee members keep a keen sense of unity by constantly communicating, sharing insights, and deciding the best strategies to enhance FAFSA completion rates. These discussions are not limited to the LEAs but also involve higher education partners, fostering a shared purpose and ensuring everyone is aligned. Regular monthly meetings, brainstorming sessions, and data reviews keep the group coordinated, enabling them to respond promptly to the needs of students and families. These conversations occur during the FAFSA Committee meetings and at the El Paso Directors of Guidance and Counseling meetings, where all higher education partners and LEAs converge. One of the most impactful strategies the committee employs is hosting FAFSA Nights at all high schools across Region 19, with invaluable support from EPCC and UTEP staff. These events, now a cornerstone of the FAFSA completion process, provide students, parents, and counselors with a supportive, hands-on environment to navigate the application together. The results are profound—more students complete their FAFSA on time, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in the effectiveness of these events.  During the 2023-2024 school year,  FAFSA Nights were held across Region 19 from January through February 2024.

Beyond FAFSA Nights, each LEA diligently keeps students and parents informed about FAFSA updates. They host information sessions during and after school meetings, giving families more opportunities to understand the importance of FAFSA and how to complete it. LEAs also leverage social media and their websites to share regular updates, tips, and reminders, ensuring no one misses crucial information.A special recognition goes to our dedicated counselors and the El Paso Area Directors of Guidance (EPADOG) committee, whose efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that secondary counselors participate in ESC 19 trainings. These training courses focused on CTE, FAFSA watch parties, mental health, and college and career readiness (CCR). Thanks to their commitment,  all rounds of CTE training conducted through the counselor modules had a full house. These initiatives work collaboratively to support students’ FAFSA completion and their post-secondary transitions.  Additionally, strong participation from district leaders at CCR Regional Committee meetings has further strengthened our collective efforts.

Working Alongside Partners

Our higher education partners contribute significantly through initiatives like the annual Operation College Bound events. From March through April last year, EPCC and UTEP were on-site at various high schools.Operation College Bound consists of high school Seniors who have been accepted to either EPCC or UTEP. These students register for their first class, sign up for priority orientation, and ask admissions officers about transitioning to college life. Parent engagement  is highly encouraged.  With ongoing FAFSA challenges, partners provided one-on-one guidance to help families successfully submit their applications.

The Texas College Access Network (TxCAN) also plays a pivotal role, providing crucial data and professional development for counselors and advisors. This ensures that school staff are well-informed and equipped with the latest tools and strategies, especially given the changes brought by the Better FAFSA form. Region 19 hosted two TxCAN/uAspire watch parties this past school year, attended by staff from higher education and our LEAs. TxCAN’s resources ensure advisors are equipped with the latest tools and strategies. According to the TxCAN FAFSA Completion Dashboard, Region 19 achieved a FAFSA completion rate of 36%, compared to the state average of 31%.  By August 2024, with the tireless efforts of all stakeholders, Region 19’s completion rate soared to 76%, surpassing the state average of 60%.

Additionally, the Educational Service Center 19 (ESC 19) is a crucial partner, especially for smaller or rural schools that may have fewer resources. When needed, ESC staff step in to help with FAFSA completion, offering one-on-one support to students and families and highlighting the importance of their involvement. On April 20th, ESC 19 collaborated with our higher education partners to host a free FAFSA Workshop at our Education Service Center to aid students and their families in completing and submitting their FAFSA. This event could not have been possible without all stakeholders’ great partnership and communication.

With this ongoing collaboration, feedback, and unwavering commitment from FAFSA committee members and support from partners like TxCAN, Region 19 has found a winning formula. Despite the new challenges brought on by the Better FAFSA form, Region 19 stays steadfast in ensuring every student receives the financial aid support they need to pursue their college dreams,  exemplifying the region’s dedication to student success.

Guest Author: ESC 19