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Schools recognized for improving FAFSA completion

Alabama Possible, a statewide nonprofit that removes barriers to prosperity, today announced that Linden and Sweet Water High Schools will receive a Best Hustle Award for successfully improving their early FAFSA completion by at least 10 percent from October 1 to December 1, 2018. There are 116 Alabama high schools receiving the award.

Both schools participate in the Cash for College Alabama campaign coordinated by Alabama Possible. Through the campaign, school counselors, career coaches, and other educators at high schools across the state promote financial aid form completion.

More than 325 high schools participate in the Cash for College campaign. As of January 18, 2019, more than 17,500 seniors accessed financial aid to continue their education after high school by completing their FAFSA.

“High school seniors should complete the form as early as possible so they can access the money they need for college,” said Kristina Scott, executive director of Alabama Possible. “We are thrilled to see so many Cash for College schools promoting early FAFSA completion, and we congratulate them for earning a Best Hustle Award.”

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, visitcashforcollegealabama.org.

Alabama had the fourth highest improvement in FAFSA completions for the 2018-2019 FAFSA cycle, up 4.8 percent compared to the 2017-2018 FAFSA cycle. Through December 28, 2018, Alabama has a 1.4 percent improvement rate in FAFSA completions compared to last year.

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.

Alabama Possible is a statewide nonprofit organization that breaks down barriers to prosperity through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Our research-driven work connects Alabamians and equips them with resources to build a stronger Alabama. We also influence public policy so all Alabamians will have equal opportunities to lead prosperous lives. Alabama Possible has changed the way people think and talk about poverty in Alabama since 1993. For more information visit www.alabamapossible.org.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, February 6 issue of the Demopolis Times.)