With the delay in the release of the Better FAFSA, many students and their families have been left confused. Since the release, there have been multiple set-backs. For this reason, the US Department of Ed has declared the week of April 15 - 19 the FAFSA WEEK OF ACTION. This newsletter will hopefully help you get the FAFSA done, if you haven't already. Michigan left over $110 million on the table for the Class of 2023 - because students didn't complete the FAFSA. About 70% of Michigan graduates would qualify! It's not too late! Colleges aren't expected to begin sending out financial aid packages until the end of this month.

If you haven't submitted the FAFSA, I am hosting another FAFSA Completion Night next week. See the details below. If you can't make that evening, or would rather do an individual appointment, email me at smith@byron.k12.mi.us.

If you have already filed, please make sure your student checks their status online. They should be receiving financial aid information from colleges later this month. Please have them continue to check their email and monitor the college's social media for timeline updates. You may also use the college cost calculator on most college’s websites to estimate cost prior to getting the financial aid package. I know this has been challenging and slow-going, but I am here to support.

This needs to be done a couple of days BEFORE trying to complete the Better FAFSA. Both the student AND a parent needs to create an FSA ID.

The top link takes you to a Student Aid page that summarizes everything you'll need to know to complete the 24/25 FAFSA. The bottom link is a simplified checklist.

There is money for students attending college or university AS WELL AS career training programs leading to an industry-recognized certificate. This is NOT academic based, but IS based off the FAFSA.