From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Several area schools were recognized for promoting FASFA completion, in order to financially assist students with their college careers.
Alabama Possible, a non-profit announced that Hewitt-Trussville High School, Moody High School and St. Clair County High School, were three of 120 Alabama schools that earned the recognition.
The Best Hustle Award goes to schools that improve early Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) by at least 10% from Oct. 1 – Dec. 1, 2019.
The following is the percentage by which each school increase completion:
- Hewitt-Trussville High School increased completion by 12%
- Moody High School increased completion by 16%
- St. Clair County High School increased completion by 86%
Information from Alabama Possible:
All the schools participate in the Cash for College Alabama campaign coordinated by Alabama Possible. Cash for College works with school counselors, career coaches, and other educators at high schools across the state to equip students to continue their education after high school by completing their financial aid form.
More than 340 Alabama high schools participate in the Cash for College campaign. By Dec. 1, 2019, nearly 12,000 Alabama high school seniors had already completed the FAFSA, up .17% compared to last year.
“It’s crucial that high school seniors fill out the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize their financial aid,” said Kristina Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible. “We are excited for all the schools that have received the Best Hustle Award and congratulate them on their success in encouraging early FAFSA completion among students.”
Any student seeking federal or state financial aid – including grants, loans, and work-study programs – must complete the FAFSA. Most Alabama students qualify for Pell Grants of up to $6,195 per year. Students can use Pell Grants for two-year and four-year technical and academic programs. If you want to learn more about the FAFSA and Cash for College, visit cashforcollegealabama.org.
Alabama aims to add 500,000 individuals with valuable postsecondary credentials to its workforce by 2025, and Governor Kay Ivey’s Success Plus strategic plan recognizes the critical role that financial aid plays in making education after high school accessible and affordable.
Cash for College Alabama is a partnership of Alabama Possible, the Alabama State Department of Education, Bold Goals Coalition of Central Alabama, and the Alabama Media Group. Additional collaborators include the Alabama Community College System and Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
About Alabama Possible:
Alabama Possible is a statewide nonprofit organization that breaks down barriers to prosperity. We use education, collaboration, and advocacy to change the way people think and talk about poverty. To learn more, visit alabamapossible.org.