Get Ready for College with EEF’s #DoTheFAFSA: FAFSA Clinics Now through August 31!

GAINESVILLE, FL (EEF News) This summer marks a special opportunity for graduating seniors and current college students: The Education Equalizer Foundation is thrilled to announce a series of FAFSA clinics designed to guide you through completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Supported by a Department of Education grant as part of ECMC’s FAFSA Student Support Strategy, our initiative aims to significantly increase the number of students accessing financial aid for their college education.

Recent data from the National College Attainment Network reveals a concerning trend: a noticeable decline in FAFSA completion rates among high school seniors, with only 43.3% completion as of May 31, 2024, compared to 51.2% the previous year. This downturn could restrict access to crucial college funding for many students. Filling out the FAFSA is a key step in unlocking federal, state, and institutional financial aid, and our clinics are here to help you navigate this process successfully.

Join us! We’re on a mission to help 1000 students complete the FAFSA by August 31!

What’s Happening at the Clinics?

Our clinics will be available both online and in-person at various locations chosen by our community partners now through August 31. Here are the first few:

• Virtual Clinics: Available in June, July, and August, these sessions provide flexible, expert guidance on completing your FAFSA from anywhere.
• In-Person Clinics: Join us on site for hands-on assistance. The first sessions are scheduled for:
  • Fridays, July 12, 19, and 26 from 12 PM to 2 PM at Santa Fe College Blount Center
  • Saturday, July 20, from 1 PM to 4 PM during the Gainesville Black Professionals Expo at Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd Street

Join us! We’re on a mission to help 1000 students complete the FAFSA by August 31!

And there’s more—attendees at our in-person clinics will enjoy not only invaluable FAFSA help but also some exciting perks:

• Exclusive FAFSA T-shirts
• Swag items
• Gift card giveaways

Our current list of partners are comprised of local organizations such as Santa Fe Achieve, UF Bridges, Greater Bethel AME Church, Caring and Sharing Learning School, and many others, here are just a few:

100 Black Men of Greater Florida
Aces in Motion
Akwaaba Freedom School
Alachua County Public Schools
Caring and Sharing Learning School
City of Gainesville
Children’s Trust of Alachua County
Education Foundation of Alachua County
FAMU Alumni Alachua County
Gainesville Black Professionals with Carolyn’s Heart
Greater Bethel AME Church
Junior League of Gainesville
NAACP Alachua County
Santa Fe College Blount Center with SF Achieve
University of Florida Student Government Bridges
University of Florida Active Learning Program
United Way of North Central Florida
YMCA of North Central Florida with MOTIV8U

How You Can Participate

Ready to get started? Visit our dedicated FAFSA Clinic Page to find detailed information on all clinic dates, locations, and how to register for a session. We also invite local organizations interested in hosting an in-person clinic to partner with us in this impactful campaign.

Spread the Word

Help us ensure that no student misses out on college funding due to a lack of information or guidance. Share this post and encourage students and families to #DoTheFAFSA this summer. Let’s work together to turn educational aspirations into reality!

About The Education Equalizer Foundation

The Education Equalizer Foundation works to empower middle through high school students and their families on the path to higher education. We understand that the college admittance process can be daunting and complex, particularly for scholars from underserved backgrounds. Our mission is to demystify this process and provide students with the necessary tools to not only gain admission but to graduate successfully.

Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring The Education Equalizer Foundation.