Financial aid application completion is an indicator of being on-track to obtaining a postsecondary credential and having access to a family-wage job. Like many civil rights issues, 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, particularly among populations who are oppressed.

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, is critical.

West Sound STEM Network provides targeted support to students and families to increase completion rates.  We leverage community-based partnerships to increase financial aid filing assistance and further develop a college-going culture in communities furthest from opportunity.  Additionally, we host informational sessions for students and families, train trusted community partners as Financial Aid Navigators and engage in outreach, especially for those students who are under-represented in financial aid applicants and who have been historically excluded from higher education opportunities and postsecondary credentials that are pathways to self-sufficiency and career success.