Chandra Scott
Executive Director, Alabama Possible
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 29, 2021) – Alabama Possible is excited to announce that Governor Kay Ivey has declared October as FAFSA Completion Month in Alabama. We encourage everyone to wear green on October 1st in recognition of Alabama’s FAFSA Completion Month. (link to Governor’s video message)
October 1, 2021 is an important date for any student dreaming of continuing their education beyond high school. Financial barriers prevent many students from beginning the college enrollment process. On October 1, 2021, students can begin to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or what is known as the FAFSA. The FAFSA is required for any student seeking federal and state financial aid, including grants and scholarships in some colleges. Most Alabama students qualify for Pell Grants of up to $6,495 per year; furthermore, Pell Grants do not have to be paid back.
Only 50.0% of Alabama’s graduating class of 2021 completed the FAFSA leaving more than $60 million in grants on the table. Research shows that 92% of students who complete the FAFSA enroll in a postsecondary pathway the following fall. To ensure our state fulfills its goal of adding 500,000 highly-skilled Alabamians with valuable credentials by 2025 to meet the demands of our workforce, the Alabama State Board of Education passed an opt-out FAFSA policy on April 8, 2021. This policy will make FAFSA completion part of the graduation checklist, with the option to opt-out.
“The launching of the FAFSA campaign across the state is a significant act that’s essential to increasing the number of students who enter a postsecondary pathway. The Governor’s support is not only vital to helping us achieve the overall goal of adding 500,000 Alabamians with valuable credentials, but is also a catalyst to increasing awareness and bridging resources and talents that are essential to breaking barriers to prosperity in our state,” states Chandra Scott the Executive Director of Alabama Possible.
For Alabama to realize 500,000 citizens with valuable credentials across our state by 2025, we must raise awareness on the importance of FAFSA completion and implement strategies that support students and their families through this process.
About Alabama Possible
Alabama Possible is a statewide nonprofit organization that breaks down barriers to prosperity through advocacy, education and collaboration. We influence public policy to ensure every high school graduate in our state can pursue technical or academic credentials after high school. Our programs connect Alabama’s educational leaders, students and families with resources necessary to cultivate a college-going culture and equitable educational attainment. For more information, visit www.alabamapossible.org