Next Steps Program Hosts FAFSA Forward Event

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been the gateway to government-backed financial assistance for postsecondary education since it was introduced in 1992. Completing the FAFSA correctly and on time is critical to accessing the more than $120 billion in aid that the government provides annually. Nearly 10 million students per year receive some kind of financial assistance through this program, whether that be grants, loans, or work-studies. Though the program is great at providing much needed help for low-to-moderate income students, the process itself can be quite a daunting task. 

That’s where our Next Steps Program steps in. This team of highly dedicated specialists focuses on supporting students as they transition from high school into postsecondary education to pursue a traditional college degree or a trade certificate. Our knowledgeable advisors provide personalized, one-on-one support to prospective students that covers topics like financial aid, college admissions, and career exploration. With this additional guidance, students can move forward on their educational journeys with the confidence and resources necessary to achieve their goals. 

As part of this critical mission, the Next Steps team hosted a virtual FAFSA Forward campaign in December that aimed to assist high school students and families with the financial aid process. This opportunity was open to students across Arizona looking to take advantage of the available resources that make college more attainable. To accommodate various schedules and ensure that as many students as possible were able to attend, this event was held over several days throughout December. The team recruited the help of 8 Next Steps AmeriCorps advisors to ensure that this operation was a success, walking each student and family through the process from start to finish. 

Thank you to the advisors, students, families, and the entire team that made this event possible. Together, we are making higher education more accessible than ever! 

For more information about the Next Steps Program, visit https://earntolearn.org/programs-next-steps-program.