North Lenoir High School wins first in FAFSA Innovation Grant

Raleigh, N.C. – North Lenoir High School is being recognized for its programs to increase student completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). myFutureNC awarded the school one of its First in FAFSA Innovation Grants. By completing FAFSA, students gain access to more than $150 billion in federal aid. Aid includes grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.

“One of the first things we did was create a College Ambassadors Club for students with the goal to increase their confidence when completing college applications, scholarships and the FAFSA application,” said Elizabeth Price, college adviser at North Lenoir.

In addition to creating the College Ambassadors Club, the high school developed a peer mentoring program for grades 10 through 12.

Thanks to the high school’s efforts, 52.6% of its 2021 senior class completed the FAFSA. North Lenoir will use the $500 grant to expand college access programs for students and to create a college going culture.

“We applaud North Lenoir High School for recognizing the importance of FAFSA to creating a pathway to college,” said Cecilia Holden, myFutureNC’s president and CEO. “As low-income and first-generation college applicants, many North Lenoir students may not be aware of the federal and state aid available to them. The high school addressed this by reaching out directly to students and families with great success.”

myFutureNC’s goals include ensuring equity in the completion of the FAFSA and reaching students who historically may not have been aware of the financial aid available to them. Fifty-nine percent of high schoolers at North Lenoir are students of color and 90% students are from low-income families.

Why is the FAFSA Important?

A study by the consulting firm Education Strategy group found that 90% of students who complete the FAFSA attend college directly after high school, compared to 55% of students who do not complete it. 

Information from the FAFSA is also used by some state and private organizations to award need and merit-based aid.

Increasing the completion rate is a fundamental step in the state’s efforts to align its educational priorities with its rapidly changing economy, providing future economic opportunities for students. To drive its efforts, the state has set an educational attainment goal of two million 25-to-44 year-olds with a high-quality postsecondary credential or degree by 2030.