Beacon’s Bold Move: The Summer FAFSA Completion Project to Raise Lynchburg’s FAFSA Submission Rates
As recent changes to the FAFSA create challenges for colleges, Beacon of Hope is stepping up to ensure Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) students remain leaders in college and career readiness. Since 2012, Beacon of Hope has helped students and families with college applications, job searches, and, importantly, FAFSA completion. When the organization launched its Future Centers in local high schools, FAFSA completion rates were below 50%. Through a decade of consistent support —including multiple FAFSA Night events, one- on-one appointments, and classroom visits— completion rates have climbed to 70-75%, placing Lynchburg among the top in Virginia. The Summer 2024 FAFSA Completion Project In response to recent FAFSA delays and technical challenges, Beacon of Hope launched the Summer 2024 FAFSA Completion Project from July to September. This initiative aimed to significantly increase the number of completed FAFSA applications from fewer than 150 to 400 by the end of the summer. A key component of this project was the hiring of eight near-peer mentors, specially trained to assist students and families with the FAFSA process. These mentors, alongside Beacon staff, provided access to technology and resources during one-on-one appointments. The project also includes stand-alone FAFSA completion events, where students and families received hands-on support in a relaxed, welcoming
environment. In July saw two FAFSA Food Truck Night events where families could come and receive assistance and dinner from local food trucks, all for free. These evenings saw over 50+ families through the process and helped familiarize parents with the FAFSA. The Path Forward The Summer 2024 FAFSA Completion Project was driven by strong partnerships, including a key collaboration with ECMC (Educational Credit Management Corporation), a national nonprofit dedicated to helping families manage the complexities of financing higher education. This project was a bold, community-wide initiative that addresses the challenges facing Lynchburg students. By expanding our team, maximizing resources, and strengthening partnerships, Beacon of Hope is ensuring that every student has the necessary support to pursue higher education. As the project wraps up in September, it has not only benefitted local students but also serve as a model for other communities navigating the evolving FAFSA process, helping students reach their full potential.
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