Credit: OneGoal
For years, students nationwide have relied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a gateway to their educational dreams.
Whether submitted physically or online, this vital form stands as a beacon of hope for current and prospective college students, opening doors to essential financial assistance. FAFSA isn’t just a form; it’s a lifeline, offering avenues to affordable or even free college education through scholarships, grants and student loans. Together, these financial aid resources pave the way for students to pursue their aspirations of graduating from college and establishing successful careers.
The year 2024 brings a unique journey for students awaiting their financial aid packages. Illinois State University has communicated to eager students that “The federal government’s implementation of changes to the FAFSA, in response to the FAFSA Simplification Act, has resulted in delays, pushing the release of FAFSA to late December.”
Despite students’ challenges, particularly those who started their academic journey during the pandemic, their resilience shines through.
Yet, the significant delays in fund disbursement have compelled students to adapt their plans and reconsider the institutions they’ve long hoped to attend.
While many students face uncertainty, organizations like OneGoal provide support through scholarship partnerships. With a vision centered on providing equitable opportunities for students to achieve their highest aspirations, OneGoal has partnered with Dell to make college a tangible reality.
It is important for students, even those who have not completed FAFSA, to apply for as many funding opportunities as possible. – Melissa Connelly, CEO of OneGoal
Recently, Dell awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 10 deserving OneGoal Fellows, three of whom are from the Chicago metro area. The competition for these scholarships is fierce, with just 500 recipients out of 10,144 applicants alone last year.
Through dedicated postsecondary advising and support, OneGoal empowers underserved high school students across select cities, including Chicago.
The following are interviews with OneGoal CEO Melissa Connelly and two scholarship recipients, Amyiah Parks and Vianny Reyes, who discuss the travails of the FAFSA.
Melissa Connelly, Chief Executive Officer of OneGoal
Nicole Joseph: How are educators and admins helping students navigate this unprecedented time with FAFSA?
Melissa Connelly: At OneGoal, we are focusing on two things. The first is that the Department of Education is sending out updated information regularly, so we’re ensuring that the schools we partner with are equipped with knowledge and that they’re translating these updates to students and families. Secondly, we’re offering direct hands-on support—sitting at a computer with the family, the students, their paperwork and completing the application together. As they encounter something unclear or where there are questions, our staff and our OneGoal teachers are there to guide them past these issues and find workarounds so that they can submit their applications.
Nicole Joseph: What are some other ways students can supplement their financial aid packet?
Melissa Connelly: It is important for students, even those who have not completed FAFSA, to apply for as many funding opportunities as possible. Share with students that some scholarships will require a Financial Aid Award Letter to be submitted. Encourage students to apply for scholarships! Be mindful about the amount of debt you take on through student loans. The goal is to maximize scholarships and financial aid and minimize the amount of loan funds students borrow so they have less to pay back later.
Nicole Joseph: Given the state of FAFSA right now, how does it feel to have been awarded the Dell Scholarship?
Amyiah Parks: It feels amazing and stress relieving because I now have the financial assistance that I need to continue on my college journey.
Nicole Joseph: How have the FAFSA delays impacted you? How is it still impacting you?
Amyiah Parks: The FAFSA delays are impacting me to this day by making the award packages that I receive from college late. Because the schools I had applied to didn’t present me with my award packets, I had to cut down on some schools and make decisions early because I know it wouldn’t get here in time. But as stated before, I just keep rolling with the punches.
Nicole Joseph: What advice do you have for other students pursuing financial aid and other funding?
Amyiah Parks: My advice is to KEEP APPLYING TO SCHOLARSHIPS and FINANCIAL AID. They are there to help you get more money. I wasn’t as motivated before when I didn’t know much about outside funding, but when I learned more about it, I realized how much is out there.
Nicole Joseph: Given the state of FAFSA right now, how does it feel to have been awarded the Dell Scholarship?
Vianny Reyes: Given the state of FAFSA, to be awarded the Dell Scholarship was a blessing. The process has been difficult with FAFSA, a real headache for first-generation students with parents who do not have a Social Security number. Debt was starting to become a reality I had to prepare for, so the Dell Scholarship happened at the right time.
Significant criteria that I think every student should prioritize are Personal Fit, Academic Match, Completion Supports and Financial Fit. – Vianny Reyes, a graduating senior
Nicole Joseph: How have the FAFSA delays impacted you? How is it still impacting you?
Vianny Reyes: My mother does not have an SSN, so the process has been much more difficult than expected. The FAFSA has impacted me in my choice and selection of schools. I didn’t want to risk FAFSA delaying further and colleges not being understanding, so I chose the one with less tuition and more generous scholarships. I had great opportunities at other colleges but couldn’t accept due to financial strain. I am currently still waiting for the completion of my FAFSA. All I need is my mother’s signature. However, it appears I still have an ongoing error. Given this, I am trying to figure out where I can get $9k each academic year.
Nicole Joseph: How will receiving this scholarship change your life?
Vianny Reyes: Receiving this scholarship will change my life in reducing my financial stress. It was exhausting receiving admissions offers and not being able to be fully excited, given the financial gap. Fortunately, OneGoal’s Postsecondary Fit allowed me to choose the college that was my best fit. Significant criteria that I think every student should prioritize are Personal Fit, Academic Match, Completion Supports and Financial Fit. Dominican University is the best fit for me, and due to their lower tuition, the Dell Scholarship fills a significant gap.
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