FAFSA Is Changing—and Late! Here's How We're Helping

FAFSA Is Changing—and Late! Here's How We're Helping Our Students & Partners

With the applications for FAFSA & CA Dream Act launching late—by end of December—and other significant changes expected to the application process, many are concerned that it's going to be harder than ever for students from low-income backgrounds to apply for free financial aid.

At 10,000 Degrees, we don't want anything to stand in the way of our students' college aspirations, so here are just a few of the ways we are preparing to support our students and educators at our 44 partner high schools...

Preparing Schools for a Successful Financial Aid Season

Connecting with educators to plan for the approaching financial aid season: scheduling workshops, creating outreach strategies, setting up check-ins to monitor progress, and more.

Offering Free Virtual Financial Aid Workshops

Continuing to provide free workshops for students and families to help them successfully submit their financial aid applications.

Helping as Your Expert on the FAFSA & CA Dream Act Application

We're utilizing our 42+ years as a leading financial aid support organization and working with local state agencies and community partners to strategize and empower educators to navigate the changes—so we can all help more students apply. We're also partnering with National College Attainment Network (NCAN) & California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to monitor changes.

Offering Enhanced Financial Aid Training

Updating our virtual Financial Aid Train the Trainer series for school partners with the most timely information, and expanding access to all 10,000 Degrees partner schools.

Training & Certifying Our Staff

Providing specialized financial aid trainings for our staff, including best practices for supporting students and families from low-income backgrounds, undocumented students, etc.—and our student-supporting, on-campus Fellows are receiving CSAC-certified training so they are as knowledgeable as possible about the FAFSA changes.

Launching School Newsletter

Launching a partner newsletter to keep educators up to date on relevant student and school resources and news.

Learn More About the FAFSA Changes

"With low college enrollment and the existing barriers to financial aid access for students and families from low-income backgrounds statewide, the need for trusted expert-level financial aid support for our school ecosystems is needed now more than ever before. We are proud to partner with 10,000 Degrees to ensure our students, families, and high schools have the necessary resources, tools, and programming for financial aid student success."

Marlene L. Garcia

Executive Director

California Student Aid Commission