Financial aid application completion is an indicator of being on-track to obtaining a postsecondary credential and having access to a family-wage job. Not all youth have systemic support for financial aid completion. Despite some of the best financial aid programs in all 50 states, Washington historically has some of the lowest completion rates.  Put into clear terms, youth and families who are furthest from educational and institutional justice often face systemic barriers when navigating financial aid completion. The opportunity for all youth to have access to a bright future means systemic support for financial aid completion via the three ways a student can apply for financial aid: FAFSA, WASFA, or the apprenticeship financial aid application.

West Sound STEM Network, through intensive collaboration among regional STEM Networks and their districts, non-profit, higher education, statewide and community partners, has, and will continue to, provide targeted support to students, families, and school districts to increase Financial Aid completion rates.  We work to leverage community-based partnerships to increase financial aid filing assistance and further develop a college-going culture in communities furthest from opportunity, host informational sessions for students and families, train trusted community partners as Financial Aid Navigators, and engage in outreach. 

Find out more about the ongoing efforts to increase completion rates in Washington by reading the Financial Aid Completion Playbook, developed by WSSN and its many partners.