Less than half of 2022 Marion County high school graduates enrolled in college after high school. College Matters, a five-year grantmaking initiative of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, seeks to increase that number – especially for students who are less likely to enroll in college.

High school students face numerous challenges when it comes to considering college. Accessing the right coursework, identifying possible career options, and even applying for financial aid are complex processes that can turn into barriers that prevent students from applying for and enrolling in college. To help eliminate some of these barriers, College Matters: Meeting the Moment grantees are helping students with the financial aid process, including filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

At the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, for example, both Lawrence North and Lawrence Central have hosted multiple FAFSA information and completion events – partnering with INvestEd, the Indiana Latino Institute, and the Indianapolis Urban League to provide financial aid guidance and language access.

According to Connie Sivertson, guidance counselor and department leader at Lawrence North High School, “Plans change. Circumstances change. Our goal is to assure every single senior has the ability to pivot to college without finances being the barrier to attendance. Completion of the FAFSA puts our students in the driver’s seat and may bring a college education thought to be out of reach, firmly into their hands.”

At the Center for Leadership Development, they’ve hosted monthly FAFSA completion events – alongside college information sessions – since the start of the year. Because the FAFSA opens doors to state, federal, and institutional financial aid options, it’s critical for all students to file the form.

Joe Zachary Jr., director of the Robbin Nelson Rice and Derica Rice College Prep Institute at the Center for Leadership Development, stresses the importance of financial aid to accessing college. “Obtaining a college education is one of the most important factors for a person to be able to get a decent paying job so they can pursue the American dream. Submitting the FAFSA and obtaining financial aid helps a person pay for that education so they can get their job of choice and chase the American dream.”

Alongside their events, both Lawrence North High School and the Center for Leadership Development were College Goal Sunday sites on Feb. 23. The annual event offers students and families free FAFSA filing assistance at more than 30 locations statewide.