FAFSA Cash for College Challenge message from SupIn Kishimoto

Keeping our FAFSA progress moving forward

We set a goal of 70 percent of seniors completing FAFSA applications in SY 2018-19 and Iʻm happy to say that we’re over halfway there.
Since the opening of the current application period on Oct. 1, 42 percent of high school seniors completed their applications, an increase of three percentage points from this same time a year ago. Seniors have until June 30 to complete their applications, but we need to keep our momentum moving forward to reach our 70 percent goal. It is important to help students and families to understand that even if a family is not eligible for need-based federal funding, many private grants that are merit-based or service-based require a completed FAFSA.
To keep everyone updated on our progress, we’ve launched our new Hawaii FAFSA Data Dashboard online. The dashboard tracks the number of completed applications at high schools statewide and allows for comparisons to other schools in the same complex area, statewide and over time.
This tracking will be of great interest to all our high schools who are competing in the Cash for College Challenge, where $40,000 in prize money will be split between senior classes with the highest completion rates and largest gains. Schools will be able to use this money to support senior class activities, such as prom and graduation. Special thanks to our challenge partners at Hawaii P-20 and the University of Hawaii, along with contest sponsors Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank and First Hawaiian Bank.
Data pulled on Jan. 11 show Molokai High in the lead, followed closely by Kailua, Lanai, Kohala, Pearl City and Roosevelt.
FAFSA applications by high school seniors are a critical measure that serve as a predictor for college enrollment. Ninety percent of seniors who complete their FAFSA application attend college directly from high school, compared with 55 percent enrollment among students who do not.
Now is the time to engage with our seniors and parents who may be undecided or need a motivational push. Join me today in promoting the value of higher education.