Florida CAN releases FAFSA data for over 600 schools

Florida CAN releases FAFSA data for over 600 schools New, interactive dashboard allows users to track school, district and state-level FAFSA completion data through spring 2016   Tampa, FL — Florida College Access Network (Florida CAN) has released theFlorida FAFSA Finish Line dashboard  with new data for 2016, showing the number of 12th graders throughout the state who have completed the form.   The Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) determines eligibility for $150 billion in federal financial aid programs each year, yet tens of thousands of eligible Florida students neglect to fill out the form.  Previous estimates from Florida CAN show Florida students leave behind over $100 million in federal Pell Grants each year, not including state aid programs like the Florida Student Assistance Grant, which also requires a completed FAFSA. The Florida FAFSA Finish Line data dashboard allows schools, districts and community partners to view FAFSA completion rates in near-real time with data updates taking place weekly through March and bi-weekly through June.    Click image to view data   “Money should never be the reason why students choose not to go to college,” said Troy Miller, Associate Director for Research and Policy for Florida CAN. “This data dashboard can help schools, districts and community partners make sure their students complete the FAFSA and have a plan for life after high school.” To spark an increase in FAFSA completions among high school seniors, last December Florida CAN announced the Florida FAFSA Challenge to encourage all schools and districts to raise FAFSA completion rates by 5% in 2016.  Schools and districts that sign up for the challenge receive support, resources and recognition, with trophies going to top performers in the state. Each week, schools and districts with the highest FAFSA completion rates ("MVP"), the most improved FAFSA completion rates ("Most Improved"), and the closest to the 5% goal in the fewest amount of days ("Fastest Lap") will be featured in the FAFSA Challenge Leaderboard, updated each week through March 31, 2016.  A downloadable version of the most recent Leaderboard with data through February 5, 2016 can be found here .  Click image to view leaderboard   Schools and districts interested in participating in the Florida FAFSA Challenge can learn more and register here . For more information on FAFSA completion data, research and resources, see these previous releases by Florida CAN: Florida FAFSA Finish Line data dashboard  and how-to guide Florida FAFSA Challenge registration,  toolkit  and details Florida FAFSA Challenge Leaderboard through February 5, 2016 $100 Million in Pell Grants Left Behind: FAFSA Completion in Florida (policy brief) Completing the FAFSA a Strong Predictor of College Attendance in Florida (press release) FAFSA “Learn and Share” Webinar for School Counselors, Advisors and Community Partners  (webinar recording) Announcing the Florida FAFSA Challenge  (webinar recording) A downloadable version (.PDF) of this press release can be found here . The Florida FAFSA Challenge is possible thanks to the support of the Helios Education Foundation  and Swift Family Foundation .   About Florida College Access Network The mission of the Florida College Access Network is to create and strengthen a statewide network that catalyzes and supports communities to improve college & career preparation, access, and completion for all students. Our Big Goal is to increase the percentage of Florida residents who hold a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by the year 2025. For more information, visitwww.floridacollegeaccess.org .                                                                                            ###