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Alabama Possible, formerly known as the Alabama Poverty Project, is launching its latest effort to ensure students in the Yellowhammer State receive fair and equitable access to a quality college education. The organization is dedicated to breaking down "barriers to prosperity in Alabama through education, collaboration, and advocacy," and starting next Monday, April 19, Alabama Possible will launch Virtual Family FAFSA Nights to help college-bound residents apply for federal financial aid.
For many students and families nationwide, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be an intimidating process. Questions about personal income, tax filings, and other sensitive information have historically made some would-be FAFSA applicants apprehensive. According to the U.S. Department of Education, as of March 5, 2021, FAFSA applications are down 9% since last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has also negatively impacted college admissions and decreased the number of students applying for college across the country. With the passage of the COVID-19 relief bill, Congress streamlined the FAFSA application process, shortening the application itself and revising the document for clarity. Those changes, however, will not take effect until the 2023-2024 academic year.
The current FAFSA application asks 108 questions and Alabama Possible's Virtual Family FAFSA Night will guide participants through the entire application process, walking them through each query. The event will take place via Zoom during the evenings of April 19th, 20th, and 21st. Families and students can sign up now to attend one of the three, hour-long sessions offered each day. Time slots are available at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to accommodate the work and school schedules of participants.
Currently, sessions are still available for each day of the program. Registration is free and gift cards are available to those who successfully complete the FAFSA.