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March 2024 Newsletter

Despite efforts to support Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion, data shows a 49% decrease in rates compared to the previous year. The journey through the FAFSA has always been vital for millions of first-generation, low-income, and college-bound students and their families, determining their access to federal financial aid for higher education. While recent changes aimed to simplify the process, the rollout of the Better FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic year has introduced new complexities, disproportionately affecting low-income and first-generation students, especially those from mixed documentation households.





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Delays in the rollout and the continued inability of students to complete the new form due to glitches and pauses in operation have raised concerns about colleges' ability to offer financial aid packages, impacting students' college decisions. The requirement for both students and parents to create an FSA ID, particularly challenging for mixed documentation families, further complicates the process and delays aid awarding. Changes in calculating the Student Aid Index (SAI) may disadvantage low-income families with multiple college-goers, exacerbating financial hardships.

Students currently enrolled in college also have uncertainties in completing the problematic application and in their aid awards, with potential decreases impacting their ability to graduate. Additionally, the Department of Education only recently realized they did not account for rising inflation, depriving students of $ 1.8 billion in financial support. Advocacy efforts and support for critical operations are crucial to navigating these challenges. With your help, we can ensure equitable access to education for underserved youth and bridge the gap in financial aid accessibility. Read more from Rachel Livingston, Vice President of Programs, and Joanne Reyes, Chief Executive Officer, and learn how you can help during this critical time. <[link removed]>









































[image: Check out our trip to Claremont] <[link removed]>
Envisioning Futures

On Monday, March 4, we took 43 of our juniors to visit Claremont McKenna College, Pomona College, Harvey Mudd College, Scripps College, and Pitzer College. This opportunity to participate in college tours allows students to envision themselves as future college-goers and ignites meaningful conversations on how to make it a reality. Take a look at our photos from this tour! <[link removed]>

















[image: Career Speaker Series starts this week]
Career Focused Students

Fulfillment Fund's Career Speaker and Career Spotlight series are back this month. High school students will get exposure to working professionals through our Career Speaker Series as they begin considering colleges and majors. Our Career Spotlight offers an in-depth exploration of how our speakers tapped into their careers and practical knowledge of what their jobs entail as they prepare to enter the workforce.
































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Our Office is Officially Warmed!

Last month, we transformed our new space to reflect life "on campus," bringing together board members, alumni, supporters, and volunteers to kick off our next chapter with a bang. From heartfelt conversations to delicious tacos, we celebrated community, camaraderie, and the thrill of college life. Check out the highlights from Fulfillment Fund’s Orientation Day bash! <[link removed]>
















[image: Read more about the California schools update] <[link removed]>
Commitment Day Update

In a recent development, the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) extended their commitment date until at least May 15, offering crucial support to students navigating challenges with the new FAFSA. Technical glitches and hurdles within FAFSA have prompted this extension, allowing students more time to make informed decisions about their higher education journey. Continue reading. <[link removed]>































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