Topeka graduates get help figuring out FAFSA

TOPEKA (KSNT) - According to kansas.fafsatracker.com, as of July 5, 2024, only a little over 15,000 FAFSA applications have been completed.

That's down 145 compared to last year. With lower numbers, the Topeka Center For Advanced Learning & Careers and Topeka Public Schools (TPS) partnered with the University of Kansas on Wednesday, July 15, to do a FAFSA completion event for graduating seniors.

"I think the federal government has recognized the challenges that seniors have faced with the FAFSA, so they've provided some extra money to universities to do some outreach and connect with high school seniors and help them get the application done," TCALC Associate Principal, Laura Nichols said.

Part of that process is helping parents participate in their students FAFSA.

With the application process being different this year, part of that being that it's now in two parts, the student portion and contributor, TRIO academic advisor Melody Lawrence said sometimes it takes longer to complete the application.

"In past years with our program, we would only see a student maybe once," Lawrence said. "There might be a second time that we would see them to complete FAFSA. This year it can be as many as four or five times just to get everything to come together."

While it might be a longer process for some, Topeka Public Schools counselor Lesley Munoz said she believes the new format is easier.

"With my first kido back in 2019 it was a much longer form," Munoz said "Many more questions to fill out. This time you just submit your tax forms, or the IRS just pulls your tax information and pretty much does it for you."

Nichols told 27 News everyone with Topeka Public Schools will be back on Monday, July 22. She said students can call and they will be happy to help with any questions you might have.

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