Posted on September 25, 2024
Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) triumphed in the 2023-24 Tennessee FAFSA Challenge, boasting an impressive 17 FAFSA Champion schools, despite a challenging year for the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
G.W. Carver College & Career Academy earned special recognition as one of three “Most Improved” Very Small High Schools in Tennessee, with a completion rate that soared by an impressive 20.5% compared to the previous school year. The school will receive a trophy to commemorate its outstanding accomplishment.
“We’re excited that state leaders and organizations are recognizing the work that our schools are investing into the future of our students,” said Dr. Constance Certion, MSCS’ High School Counseling Manager. “I appreciate each of you and our AMAZING higher education partners (Southwest TN Community College, LeMoyne-Owen College, The University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, and TN College of Applied Technology) for the role that you played in assisting with FAFSA completion for MSCS and look forward to continuing this great work for this year’s seniors and families,” she wrote in an internal announcement.
Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, Professional School Counselor at G.W. Carver said collaborations helped make the achievement possible. The school is connected with LeMoyne-Owen College and Project STAND, a mentor-based program that works with students and young adults. He said the teams also worked with families individually to assist with the application.
“…If you want family involvement, you must work with family schedules, which may not be during school hours,” said Dr. Taylor. “We cannot work in silos when it comes to FAFSA completion.”
The FAFSA Champion designation is awarded to schools whose Tennessee Promise FAFSA completion rate increased by 5+% over the previous year or those whose Tennessee Promise FAFSA rate exceeds 90%. The Tennessee FAFSA Challenge is an annual statewide competition that encourages high schools to increase FAFSA completion rates among their students.
The FAFSA is the application that determines eligibility for federal financial aid, such as grants and student loans that allow millions of students to afford college each year. Last year, the rollout was delayed and the application went live on Dec. 30, nearly three months after its normal starting date. The application was also marked by technical issues and other complexities, but MSCS students, families, and staff persevered, expanding college access for thousands of students.
