Governor Proclaims First in FAFSA Month 2021

WHEREAS, North Carolina has set a statewide goal to increase postsecondary attainment of two million people with a degree or certificate by 2030; and

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

WHEREAS, North Carolina aims to be First in FAFSA and lead all states nationally in FAFSA completion rates; and

WHEREAS, the statewide goal for the percentage of high school seniors completing the FAFSA is 80 percent by 2030; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is leaving an estimated $107 million on the table in Pell Grants for students who did not submit a FAFSA; and

WHEREAS, submitting the FAFSA provides North Carolinians with opportunities to access critical financial aid resources to help them pay for college; and

WHEREAS, during the month of April, all North Carolina high school seniors and current college students are encouraged to join in making North Carolina First in FAFSA by completing their FAFSA; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to support North Carolina high school seniors and college students 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 April, 2021, as “FIRST IN FAFSA MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.