Ensuring Full FAFSA Functionality is Key

New York

EdTrust–New York is a statewide education policy and advocacy organization focused first and foremost on doing right by New York’s children. Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, we advocate for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked.

West

EdTrust–West is committed to dismantling the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust-West engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice and increases political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty, will thrive.

Massachusetts

The Education Trust team in Massachusetts convenes and supports the Massachusetts Education Equity Partnership (MEEP), a collective effort of more than 20 social justice, civil rights and education organizations from across the Commonwealth working together to promote educational equity for historically underserved students in our state’s schools.

Higher Education

Advocacy

Ensuring Full FAFSA Functionality is Key

Statement from Wil Del Pilar, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of EdTrust on the Biden-Harris administration’s FAFSA announcement

August 08, 2024 by EdTrust

Graphic of the United States and state capitol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Wil Del Pilar, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of EdTrust on the Biden-Harris administration’s FAFSA announcement

WASHINGTON (August 8, 2024) — “While the decision by the Department of Education to move forward with a phased approach to rolling out the FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is disappointing, it’s ultimately necessary to ensure total functionality of the system, especially for students from mixed-status families. The Department must maintain clear and consistent communication with students, families, administrators, and other stakeholders throughout the process. The prevention of technical issues, unintentional misdirection, and repeated reprocessing over the next several months should be the primary focus of the Department.

“Students and families deserve a seamless process of applying for financial aid — a lifeline for low-income, first-generation, and students of color who want to pursue a college education. The well-documented Better FAFSA hurdles need to be addressed to meet the needs of applicants by sharing who has received the form, what levels of success or failure the Department is experiencing, informing the public about the process, and if they remain on track for full functionality by December 1st. EdTrust will be monitoring the process and will continue to develop resources for students and families, including translated resources where appropriate, to ensure the negative impacts of this delay are minimized as much as possible.”

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EdTrust Welcomes the Release of Proposed Hardship Relief Rule for Student Debt

October 25, 2024 by EdTrust

Statement on the Biden-Harris administration’s proposed rule on student-debt cancellation for financial hardship.

Higher Education

Advocacy

Comment Letter to the U.S. Department of Education Regarding Ways to Support the Successful Completion of the 2025-2026 FAFSA

September 26, 2024 by EdTrust

On behalf of the undersigned institutions and organizations, we write to provide comments regarding the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Higher Education

Advocacy