ICAN's Summer FAFSA Grant Closes the FAFSA Completion Gap in Iowa
From a 34% Gap in May to 2.1% in September: A Milestone Achievement in FAFSA Completion
HIAWATHA, IOWA (Oct. 11, 2024) — The Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its Summer FAFSA Completion Grant, which significantly increased FAFSA completion rates across the state. Through dedicated efforts, the FAFSA completion gap for the Class of 2024 shrank from 34% in May to an impressive 2.1% by the end of September 2024.
This remarkable progress was made possible by a federal grant awarded by the ECMC Foundation, which supported initiatives nationwide to boost the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In Iowa, ICAN, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education's Bureau of Iowa College Aid and other like-minded organizations, spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about the FAFSA process and increase students’ access to financial aid programs.
Key Highlights of the Program
- Collaboration with 50 Iowa High Schools: The initiative engaged 50 schools across Iowa with FAFSA completion gaps, helping students from the Class of 2024 complete their applications from May through September 2024.
- ICAN’s Student Success Advisors: ICAN’s team of advisors hosted numerous community events, both in-person and virtual, to provide individualized assistance. Events were held in English and Spanish, ensuring students and families across Iowa could access the support they needed.
- Expanding Access to Aid: ICAN and its partners emphasized the importance of FAFSA completion through outreach and workshops that provided students and their families with crucial financial aid information.
Impact Beyond 2024: Preparing for the Next FAFSA Season
As the next FAFSA season approaches, ICAN is preparing to help the Class of 2025 navigate the financial aid process. The FAFSA for the Class of 2025 opens on December 1, 2024, and ICAN is ramping up efforts to promote awareness and ensure that students and families are ready to apply. FAFSA completion is a key indicator for post-secondary enrollment, and it represents the first step for students seeking financial aid to help cover the costs of college.
ICAN will continue to host both in-person and virtual events, provide one-on-one advising, and partner with Iowa schools and communities to ensure that every student has the support they need to complete their FAFSA. By assisting families early in the process, ICAN aims to sustain the progress achieved this summer and help students maximize their financial aid opportunities.
"We are incredibly proud of the progress made through this grant," said Rob Miller, ICAN President. "The ECMC Foundation’s support, combined with the collaborative efforts of the Iowa Department of Education’s Bureau of Iowa College Aid and other partners, allowed us to make a real difference in the lives of Iowa students. We look forward to continuing this momentum with the Class of 2025."
Looking Forward
ICAN remains committed to ensuring that every Iowa student has access to the information and support they need to pursue higher education. With this summer’s success, ICAN will continue to build on its achievements, expanding access to financial aid and educational opportunities for students across the state.
For more information about ICAN’s FAFSA support services and upcoming events, visit www.ICANsucceed.org.
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About ICAN
ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Hiawatha, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.
For More Information:
Media Contact:
Brittania Morey
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
(319) 423-7708
bmorey@ICANsucceed.org