Governor Proclaims First in FAFSA Month 2023

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

WHEREAS, ensuring more eligible 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, to achieve the statewide goal for 80% of eligible high school seniors to complete the FAFSA by 2030 will require an additional 24,000 FAFSA completions each year; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina students leave behind an estimated $100 million in federal unclaimed dollars each year; and

WHEREAS, submitting the FAFSA provides North Carolinians with opportunities to access federal, state, and local funding for college, including the Federal Pell, state need-based grants, and other scholarships; and

WHEREAS, 88% of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA attend college, compared to 49% of students who do not; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina First in FAFSA campaign and its partners are focused on increasing awareness of the college access and financial aid resources and services available in North; and

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

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to support eligible 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 2023, as “FIRST IN FAFSA MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.