Governor Proclaims Financial Aid Awareness Month 2024

WHEREAS, North Carolina has set a statewide goal to ensure two million people have a postsecondary degree or high-quality industry-valued credential by 2030; and

WHEREAS, ensuring more eligible high school and college students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applications for additional scholarships and grants is a critical step in reaching that goal; and

WHEREAS, submitting the FAFSA is a required step in helping North Carolinians qualify for federal student aid, the new Next NC Scholarship, and other state grants; and

WHEREAS, College Foundation of North Carolina is a service to increase awareness of the college access and financial aid resources and services available in North Carolina that relies on a broad coalition of organizations such as College Advising Corps, GEAR UP, myFutureNC, the NC Department of Public Instruction, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, the North Carolina Community College System, the UNC System, and the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; and

WHEREAS, during the month of February, all North Carolina high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and applications for additional scholarships and grants; and

WHEREAS, families, educators, and community members are encouraged to support eligible North Carolinians as they complete the necessary steps to access financial aid resources that will allow them to succeed in postsecondary education;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February, 2024, as “FINANCIAL AID AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.