myFutureNC launched a statewide initiative in 2020 to increase the number of high school students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Using data-driven approaches, in partnership with Carolina Demography and the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) have worked diligently with community partners and education nonprofits to better support school-based practitioners and families in their FAFSA completion efforts.
The NC First in FAFSA 2020-21 Year in Review report lifts up the comprehensive approach myFutureNC embarked upon, celebrates the schools with the highest FAFSA completion rates, those that grew year-over-year, and schools and counselors that implemented innovative practices in a very challenging year.
The report also shares our initial FAFSA completion analysis of Tier 1 and FAFSA District schools, lifts up the voices of our counselors and school administrators that we spoke with during our listen and learn sessions, and recommendations as we consider ways in which the collaborative of partners may deepen and expand approaches – both through policy and in practice.