Alabama Possible is celebrating high schools across the state for advancing a college-going culture by increasing financial aid application completions.
Alabama Possible manages the Cash for College Alabama campaign, which partners with school counselors, career coaches, and other educators at high schools across the state to promote completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Since kicking off the 2018-2019 campaign on October 1, Cash for College and its partners have worked alongside thousands of students and families at over 320 schools to complete more than 25,000 FAFSAs.
The Cash for College Alabama campaign is pleased to announce the top schools for highest FAFSA completion and improvement rates. The schools with the highest completion rates of their senior classes are Amelia L. Johnson, Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP), and Pell City. The schools with the highest improvement rates compared to the same time period last year are Florala, Russellville, and Shades Valley.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these high schools for their commitment to postsecondary education and creating a college-going culture,” said Kristina Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible. “In 2018, Alabama high school seniors left more than $47 million in cash to pay for college on the table. It’s exciting to see schools across Alabama connecting students with resources so they can continue their education after high school.”
Each of the winning schools will receive a grant at the Cash for College Celebration and Professional Development Workshop on June 27 at Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. Schools are awarded based on their senior class size (small, medium, and large). Alabama Possible applauds these schools’ dedication to FAFSA completion and for being leaders in the state.
Any student seeking federal or state financial aid – including grants, loans, and work-study programs – must complete the FAFSA. Most Alabama students will qualify for Pell Grants of up to $6,195 per year. Students can use Pell Grants for two-year and four-year technical and academic programs. If you want to learn more about the FAFSA and Cash for College, visit cashforcollegealabama.org.
Cash for College Alabama is a partnership of Alabama Possible, the Alabama State Department of Education, Bold Goals Coalition of Central Alabama, and the Alabama Media Group.