Families in North Carolina came together for a unique event at McDowell Technical Community College in Marion – a FAFSA Fiesta. This gathering, sponsored by the College Foundation of North Carolina, aimed to encourage families, especially Latino communities, to complete the financial aid form and pursue higher education opportunities. The festive atmosphere provided a welcoming space for families to receive assistance in filling out the FAFSA form, enjoy a buffet of donated food, and participate in raffles for various prizes. The event was one of four hosted by the College Foundation of North Carolina to support Latino college-going efforts in the state, particularly in light of challenges faced during a difficult year for financial aid applications.
Challenges with the FAFSA application process have impacted college plans for students and families nationwide. The launch of a “simplified” FAFSA led to a decrease in the number of students applying for federal financial aid this year, with North Carolina experiencing a significant decline in FAFSA completion rates. In response to these challenges, the FAFSA Fiesta events targeted recent high school graduates who had not yet applied for aid or finalized their college plans, as well as families facing complex issues such as mixed-status households. The goal was to make the FAFSA process more accessible and less intimidating for families, particularly those in immigrant communities who may have concerns about disclosing personal information on federal documents.
Juana Hernandez-Lira, the College Foundation’s associate director of outreach of special populations, reported that over 112 families attended the North Carolina FAFSA Fiesta events, with 43 indicating successful completion of the FAFSA form. While the focus was on FAFSA completion, the organization also offered resources to assist undocumented students who are ineligible for federal or state aid. The events were primarily promoted to Spanish-speaking communities through local media outlets, but all families were welcome to participate in the festivities and receive support with the financial aid process.
Supporting Underserved Communities
The FAFSA Fiesta events aimed to address common barriers faced by underserved communities when navigating the financial aid process. Families received assistance with technical issues, such as forgotten passwords, and guidance on more complex issues related to eligibility criteria. In particular, students from mixed-status families were provided with information on their eligibility for federal and state financial aid, despite potential concerns about immigration status. By offering tailored support and resources, the events sought to empower families to pursue higher education opportunities and overcome financial obstacles that may have deterred them in the past.
Silvia Martin del Campo, director of LatinX education at McDowell Tech, highlighted the importance of providing support to families who may feel discouraged by financial constraints associated with college attendance. Many families believe they need substantial savings to afford higher education, leading them to forgo pursuing college opportunities altogether. By offering guidance on the FAFSA process and demystifying the complexities of financial aid, organizations like the College Foundation of North Carolina aim to equip families with the knowledge and resources needed to access higher education options at community colleges and universities.
Expanding Access to Higher Education
The FAFSA Fiesta events served as a platform to expand access to higher education for underserved communities in North Carolina. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Latino families and offering tailored support during the financial aid application process, organizations like the College Foundation of North Carolina strive to increase college enrollment rates among traditionally underrepresented populations. In a year marked by uncertainty and disruptions in the financial aid system, these events provided a crucial lifeline for families seeking guidance and assistance in navigating the complex world of college financing.
The College Foundation of North Carolina’s commitment to supporting underserved communities through initiatives like the FAFSA Fiesta underscores the importance of equitable access to higher education opportunities. By engaging with families, providing targeted resources, and fostering a supportive environment for FAFSA completion, organizations can empower students to pursue their educational aspirations and overcome financial barriers that may have previously hindered their college ambitions. Through continued outreach efforts and community partnerships, the College Foundation of North Carolina aims to ensure that all families have the support they need to access the transformative power of higher education.
