The pandemic and economic crisis have elevated the importance of ensuring students have the financial support they need on their path to college.
To apply for financial assistance, students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form — a crucial, but often stressful part of the college application process. Although research indicates that FAFSA completion is strongly associated with college enrollment, millions of eligible high school seniors do not file the FAFSA each year across the country, especially those in higher-poverty school districts.
Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) has been helping students across Yonkers apply for this much needed financial aid, including at annual FAFSA Completion Nights each fall, during which hundreds of students and their families work with volunteers and staff to complete this essential form and other paperwork required for students to obtain aid.
Without having the opportunity to hold this event in person, the YPIE team was determined to continue helping students, even if remotely. Last week, YPIE held its first online “YPIE FAFSA Week” with nearly 100 meetings via Zoom with students and their families.
YPIE FAFSA meetings will continue through November with the plan to complete FAFSA applications for the hundreds of students in YPIE programs as well as students throughout the Yonkers Public Schools.
“My advisor was so helpful and I couldn’t have done this without him!” –Natalie, YPIE Senior.
YPIE thanks all the volunteers and partners at Fordham University Academic Talent Search Program, SUNY WEOC College Connections Initiative, and Manhattan College for their help to ensure Yonkers students and their families complete this critical step in the college process.
Learn more at ypie.org