Regional FAFSA events to help Arizona high school graduates

What: The Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona FAFSA Coalition are holding a series of regional FAFSA workshops tailored to assist the graduating class of 2024.

This year, the U.S. Department of Education experienced significant delays and glitches with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), causing completions to plummet nationwide. To help close the gap, state and local governments, universities, college access organizations and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs are spearheading a concerted effort to tackle a decline in Arizona FAFSA submissions.

Since the campaign began in April, Arizona has seen a 9 percent increase in FAFSA completions. But 25 percent fewer seniors have completed the FAFSA compared to last year – a statistic Arizona is working to improve with support from regional workshops, increased staffing for virtual appointments, Arizona’s FAFSA hotline and gap funding to help counselors stay on campus to support students with FAFSA completion through the summer. 

The workshop and additional support are funded through a $500,000 grant provided by Governor Hobbs.

In addition to FAFSA application assistance, representatives from Arizona’s public universities and community colleges will be available to help students who are interested in enrolling. Students can also look forward to incentives and raffles at each event.

Who: Arizona graduating seniors and their families. Students are highly encouraged to register. However, walk-ins are welcome. 

Where: 

• Northern Arizona: Coconino Community College 
  • Where: 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff, AZ 
  • When: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 
  • Reserve your spot.
• South Phoenix: South Mountain Community College  
  • Where: 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 
  • When: Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 
  • Reserve your spot.
• East Valley: The Studios @ Mesa City Center  
  • Where: 59 E. First St., Mesa, AZ 
  • When: Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.  
  • Reserve your spot.
• Tucson: Pima Community College, Downtown Campus  
  • Where: 1255 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 
  • When: Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.  
  • Reserve your spot.
• Metro Phoenix: College Depot  
  • Where: 221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 
  • When: Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 
  • Reserve your spot.
• West Valley: Estrella Mountain Community College
  • Where: 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, AZ 
  • When: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 
  • Reserve your spot.

Students can find statewide support and resources at CollegeReadyAZ.com/FAFSA.