Financial Aid Resources

Higher Expectations for Racine County is dedicated to ensuring every student has access to the financial resources needed for post-secondary success. Below you’ll find information on what the FAFSA is, how to get started, and other resources on completing.

What is the FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for Free Application For Federal Student Aid.

It is the first step in accessing federal financial aid for college, university, and trade school. Completing the FAFSA opens the door to grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal loans, making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable.

Filling out the FAFSA is critical, as billions of dollars in federal aid go unclaimed each year. In 2023, High School seniors left over $4 billion in Pell Grants unclaimed and an estimated 36% of high school graduates from Wisconsin did not submit their FAFSA. Our goal is to ensure every student completes their FAFSA to access the financial aid they deserve.

Why is the FAFSA important?

Completing the FAFSA can unlock financial aid Completing the FAFSA can unlock financial aid opportunities such as grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest federal student loans. It’s a crucial step in making college more affordable.

What will I need?

There are steps you can take to best prepare for completing the FAFSA, whether it's with a FAST member, on your own, with your parent or guardian, or at your high school with the help of your school counselor. Click the button below to learn more about the necessary steps, required documents, and additional resources.

How do I get started?

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to begin your FAFSA application, including creating an FSA ID, gathering necessary documents, and filling out the required sections. Follow along to simplify the process and ensure you complete your application accurately.

Our Local Post-Secondary Institution Partners

Measuring Progress: FAFSA Completion Dashboard

In collaboration with our partner, Building Our Future, our FAST FAFSA Initiative intends to provide one-on-one support to students completing their FAFSAs in both Racine and Kenosha counties. This cross-community effort began in 2024, and we look forward to continuing to provide help and resources to students exploring college.

We recommend viewing the data on a desktop computer, as it may not always display correctly on a mobile device. If you have questions regarding this dashboard, please contact Kevin Meagher, Data Manager at Building Our Future.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact Lizeth Brito, Project Manager

lizeth.brito@career2cradle.org
Call/Text (262) 204-7435