Briana Heaney Published

US Department Of Education Announces Funding To Help Students Complete Federal Student Loan Forms

A building with white pillars is seen in the background with green gardens in the foreground.
Many school and state deadlines for FAFSA are approaching.
Chris Schulz/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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The Department of Education is launching a multimillion-dollar program to help boost the completion of FAFSA for high school students nationwide. 

Last week Gov. Jim Justice declared a state emergency following a botched roll out of the new Free Application For Student Aid, or FASFA.

According to the governor’s office there has been a 40 percent decrease in FAFSA applications in the state. Justice said a difficult and complicated process is partially to blame. 

Monday, the US Department of Education launched a program to expand availability of advisers, counselors, and coaches to help students and caregivers through the FAFSA process. It also aims to increase the hours that FAFSA support staff are available on weekends and evenings. 

The department’s goal is to increase the number of high school students who complete their FAFSA.

Fifty million dollars will be available in grants to organizations that can expand college access and enrollment.