AzCAN News & Updates

May 2024

National Digital #DoTheFAFSA Campaign

Organized by NCAN, this campaign focuses on young people ages 16-20 from families with incomes $60,000 or less with an emphasis on those of color with the goal to encourage an additional 375,000 students to complete the FAFSA by August 31. Read more here.

In case you were not able to attend the NCAN 2024 Annual Spring Institute, “Pursuing Effective Advising for Every Student”, you can view the recorded webinars and slides here.

Five Actions to Help School Districts Deliver Effective Postsecondary Advising
What Are States Learning About Effective Advising?
In It Together - How Partnerships of All Shapes and Sizes Support Students' Pathways
How Equitable Advising is Addressing the Declining Rate of Young Men in College

Jenn's Corner

2024-2025 CAP Training Course Registration NOW OPEN!

The CAP Training schedule for the upcoming school year is now available for individuals to register. Each 4-week CAP Training course is:

• $60.00

• Asynchronous (Canvas platform)

• Arizona-centric and practitioner-focused

• Eligible for graduate credit for salary advancement (district determined) OR to resolve the 6-credit certificate renewal requirements for Option B or C

Exciting FAFSA Update for Mixed Status Families

Parents without an SSN who have been stuck in the identity verification process can now access the 2024-2025 FAFSA form immediately after creating their StudentAid.org account. Those waiting for verification will receive an email from FSA letting them know that they can now access the FAFSA form. Read more here.

Finish Line to the FAFSA Campaign Update

We are heading into week five of this imperative initiative and progress has been made! In early April, only 18% of Arizona high school seniors had completed the FAFSA and, as of April 26, the statewide efforts have resulted in an increase to 24%. In an effort to continue this momentum, we encourage you to explore the different FAFSA opportunities for both practitioners and students in this newsletter.

Helpful links:

Statewide FAFSA resources for students

FAFSA Resource Hub for school counselors, educators, and college access professionals

Finish Line to the FAFSA Newsletter Sign Up

Ask Benji Partner Feedback

Since October 2023, Ask Benji, Arizona’s Digital FAFSA Assistant has sent out over 2 million messages to 34,000+ parents and students across the state. If your district is a partner with Benji, we invite you to complete this feedback survey. If your district is not a partner and would like to become one, fill out this form to get started.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

FAFSA Office Hours for Practitioners

ABOR and ADE will host FAFSA Open Hours every Friday in May at 11:00 for school counselors, educators, and college access professionals to ask any questions or get support with FAFSA completion for students and families you might be working with.

Learn More

Capital One 1:1 FAFSA Advising Continues Through June 2024

AzCAN and Ask Benji will continue to provide FREE FAFSA and financial aid advising office hours for students and families at the Capital One Cafe in Scottsdale Fashion Square between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 15.

RSVP Link for Families

Summer Bridge Arizona

The Arizona Postsecondary Attainment Coalition with the support of many community partners is hosting Summer Bridge Arizona, a free statewide summer bridge program for graduating seniors enrolling in a community college or university. Encourage your graduating seniors to apply by May 18 and use the social media toolkit to advertise on your campus or within your organization.

Regional FAFSA Completion Events

View Flyer

Students Can Guarantee Their Future with Freeport-McMoRan

Education Forward Arizona, in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan, is actively recruiting graduating high school seniors and adult learners to apply for this highly beneficial technical certification and job placement program starting Fall 2024. Participants will receive a full scholarship to cover educational expenses in addition to a living stipend and a paid summer internship that could lead to a benefits-eligible career placement with Freeport-McMoRan. Please share this interest form with your students.