Higher Expectations and Building Our Future Launches FAST FAFSA Initiative to Boost Financial Aid Applications in Racine and Kenosha

In 2023, over $4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed nationwide due to students not completing the FAFSA (source: National College Attainment Network). In Wisconsin alone, an estimated 36% of high school graduates did not submit a FAFSA application, potentially leaving millions of dollars in financial aid on the table.

Higher Expectations is excited to announce the launch of the FAST FAFSA initiative, aimed at increasing the completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) among high school seniors in Racine and Kenosha counties. The program seeks to address the significant gap in financial aid applications and ensure that local students have access to the resources they need for higher education. 

"We are committed to ensuring that every student in Racine and Kenosha has the opportunity to access the financial aid they need for their education. By providing personalized support and resources, we aim to make the FAFSA process straightforward and accessible for all," said Elizabeth Erickson, Co-Executive Director of Higher Expectations.

By launching the Financial Aid Support Team (F.A.S.T.), the goal is to provide comprehensive support to students and their families. The team consists of several local current college students, who will be reaching out to students to provide personalized assistance and encourage them to complete their FAFSA.

In addition to direct support, Higher Expectations and Building Our Future will be hosting six workshops this summer with the help of several community partners. These events are open to all, with no RSVP required.

• Wed, July 17 at Knapp Elementary, 2701 17th St, Racine from 5-8 PM

• Mon, July 22 at Kenosha Public Library-Southwest, 7979 38th Ave, Kenosha from 6-8 PM

• Mon, July 29 at Kenosha Public Library-Southwest, 7979 38th Ave, Kenosha from 6-8 PM

• Tues, July 30 at Racine Public Library, 75 7th St, Racine from 5-8 PM

• Wed, August 7 at the Spanish Center, 2501 Douglas Ave, Racine from 5-8 PM

• Mon, August 12 at Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy, Kenosha from 6-8 PM

For more information, visit fastfafsa.org or email fastfafsa@career2cradle.org.

This initiative is made possible through a generous grant award from the ECMC Foundation. This work builds on efforts of Higher Expectations’ and Building our Future’s Equitable Enrollment Collaborative, which aims to increase post-secondary enrollment in the Racine and Kenosha areas.