Decision Day... Delayed!? The Impact of the New FAFSA on our Youth
National College Decision Day, a pivotal moment for high school seniors, has recently passed, yet many Black students find themselves in a state of uncertainty regarding their post-secondary plans. The culprit? Delays and complications stemming from the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), designed for students of the class of 2024 and beyond.
The FAFSA serves as a gateway to federal financial aid, a lifeline for countless students seeking to pursue higher education. However, the transition to the new FAFSA has been marred by glitches, delays, and miscalculations, disproportionately impacting Black and low-income students. These issues have created a domino effect, hindering access to vital financial resources and jeopardizing future educational and career prospects.
For many Black students, the FAFSA is not just a form—it's a lifeline. Statistics reveal that 70-90% of Black students rely on FAFSA for college funding, making any disruption to the application process a significant setback. Delays in processing applications or insufficient aid packages leave students scrambling for alternatives, often with limited options available.
The ramifications of FAFSA complications extend beyond individual students to the broader landscape of higher education and the workforce. Concerns loom regarding the potential increase in college dropout rates among low-income students or delays in college entry, perpetuating cycles of inequality.
Furthermore, the decline in FAFSA applications not only threatens individual aspirations but also undermines the diversity and inclusivity of our educational institutions. Access to quality jobs increasingly hinges on post-secondary credentials, making it imperative to address barriers to higher education, particularly among Black youth. While some schools have extended FAFSA deadlines to alleviate the burden on students, budgetary constraints limit the efficacy of such measures.
In the midst of these challenges, it's crucial to rally support for affected students. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or financial assistance, we must ensure that Black youth and other minority groups are not deterred from pursuing their educational aspirations. The recent decision to no longer consider race in college admissions underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard equitable access to higher education.
It’s too early to predict how our communities will be impacted by these new changes or what the solutions may be. However, we know marginalized communities are always the most impacted when continued obstacles and barriers are established to limit access resources to colleges and universities. We've seen it with the dismantling of Affirmative Action and now with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, even right here in the great state of Ohio. We can't overcome obstacles we don’t know exist. Now, more than ever, we need to stay informed with policy changes within the systems that influence and impact our communities the most. Dorothy Jean Tillman II becoming the youngest person to graduate with a doctoral degree, honoring her namesake, shows how time and time again our children are capable of defying all odds when given the access and opportunities.
