FAFSA 22 funding awards announced

COLUMBUS — Funding awards totaling nearly $1.8 million have been announced as part of a state initiative to increase the number of students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) announced the awards today as part of the FAFSA 22 initiative. Awards totaling $1,723,133 will be shared among 25 recipients, including college access groups, educational service centers, and colleges and universities.

The awards are a component of a strategic investment supported by Governor DeWine and the General Assembly that will be utilized for a variety of statewide FAFSA completion projects over an 18-month period.

“FAFSA completion is critical, whether you’re seeking a workforce credential, a bachelor’s degree, or something in between,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Having a well-qualified workforce often depends on having a degree or credential and completing the FAFSA is the first step along that path to a successful future and a stronger Ohio.”

“We are pleased to provide this direct financial support to local and regional partners who encourage Ohioans to apply for financial aid that would otherwise go unclaimed,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner.

“These awards are targeted at increasing Ohio’s FAFSA completion rates so that more students can achieve their goals and earn a degree or credential that prepares them for a successful career.”

Awardees plan to use the funds in a variety of ways, from outreach and communication and FAFSA workshops to school staff training and one-on-one guidance sessions.

“We always encourage students not to pass up the opportunity to complete the FAFSA because it’s really the only way to get a complete picture of the federal financial aid options available to them,” said Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Stephanie K. Siddens.

“This is money that can help students reach their educational and career goals, so it’s great that the FAFSA 22 award funds aim to increase the number of students who participate.”

FAFSA completion rates have declined dramatically — both in Ohio and across the country — in the time of COVID-19. This change represents funding that goes unclaimed and contributes to a decline in postsecondary enrollment in Ohio. FAFSA completions aim to reverse that decline.

For more information on the FAFSA 22 initiative, visit OhioHigherEd.org/FAFSA. To learn more about FAFSA completion, visit ItsForYou.org.