The Real Way to Make FAFSA Completion Work for Students

This webinar for high school counselors explores why FAFSA completion alone has not led to stronger college enrollment or graduation outcomes for low- and moderate-income students. While completion rates matter, many families unknowingly structure their finances in ways that reduce or eliminate eligibility for critical aid such as Pell Grants and Illinois MAP grants.

Participants will examine the structural inequities and hidden complexities within the postsecondary pricing and financial aid system that disproportionately impact the families who most need support. The session emphasizes the importance of early financial aid education in grades 9–11 to help families optimize eligibility long before senior year.

Thanks to a grant from Arnold Ventures, attendees will receive access to the Pathways Planning and Insights program at no cost for the upcoming academic year. This multilingual, year-long virtual resource equips families with the knowledge they need to maximize financial aid eligibility — without requiring counselors to create or lead an additional initiative.

This session is specifically designed for Illinois high school counselors seeking practical, equity-centered strategies to expand postsecondary access without increasing their workload.

NOTE: Participants are eligible to receive one (1) ISBE-approved CE/Professional Development Hour for full attendance.  Per Illinois State Board of Education requirements, attendees must join the session on time, remain for the duration, verify attendance as directed, and complete the required evaluation in order to receive credit.

Objectives:

By the end of this webinar, counselors will be able to:

(1) Identify systemic factors within postsecondary pricing and financial aid that can unintentionally disadvantage low- and moderate-income families.

(2) Explain why early financial aid education (grades 9–11) is critical to maximizing Pell and Illinois MAP grant eligibility.

(3) Access and evaluate the grant-funded Pathways Planning and Insights program as a free, multilingual resource that can be offered to families without adding to counselors’ responsibilities.

NOTE: View the ISCA PD Event Registration, Cancellation, and No Show Policy

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Professional Development CPDUs will be available for participants who attend the full session.

Attendees who participate in the full session will be eligible to receive IDFPR-approved CEUs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure.

ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR license #197.000285

LSW/LCSW IDFPR license #159.001444