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By JASON GONZALEZ 

High school students and counselors from across �¼������ϲ� gathered at �¼������ϲ� State University on Friday to kick off the state’s 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) campaign. The FAFSA and College Readiness Symposium, presented by the �¼������ϲ� Board of Regents, annually equips �¼������ϲ�'s high school counselors and educators with the latest information and resources to prepare students for education beyond high school. 

The symposium drew over 400 counselors, educators and college access professionals, along with 150 student FAFSA peer coaches – high school seniors who help fellow students complete the FAFSA. The event featured keynote presentations, tailored breakout sessions, professional development opportunities and networking gatherings. Breakout sessions covered topics ranging from leveraging FAFSA data to understanding �¼������ϲ� high school students' perceptions of higher education. 

“Completing the FAFSA is a pivotal step for students, serving as a key predictor of their path to higher education,” said Julie Sainz, �¼������ϲ� director of FAFSA and college access initiatives. “The FAFSA symposium helps empower counselors and educators, who are essential guides in the college planning journey, with the crucial information and resources needed to support students in achieving their academic aspirations. While we are optimistic about the year ahead, we have a lot of work to do.” 

�¼������ϲ� Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered a video message, thanking educators for their unwavering support. “Your dedication, along with the efforts of the �¼������ϲ� Board of Regents and the �¼������ϲ� FAFSA Coalition, plays a crucial role in ensuring our students have the resources and guidance they need to pursue higher education,” Hobbs said. “I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative higher education can be. My time at �¼������ϲ�’s public universities prepared me for the challenges I face today as governor.” 

The governor also announced the �¼������ϲ� FAFSA Coalition’s statewide goal: achieving a 40% FAFSA completion rate for �¼������ϲ�'s high school class of 2025. This builds on the success of the Finish Line to the FAFSA Campaign. The summer campaign, which launched after federal technical challenges and glitches delayed the rollout of the new FAFSA application, helped 17,000 additional students in �¼������ϲ� complete their applications and gain access to crucial financial aid dollars. 

�¼������ϲ� Board of Regents Executive Director Chad Sampson opened the event by acknowledging educators' tireless efforts, particularly during the delayed federal FAFSA rollout. This year’s application will be available Dec. 1, two months later than the form’s usual release.  

“Counselors and educators are a vital link in helping students plan for college and we are so grateful for the work they do,” Sampson said. “Our goal at the board is to support teachers and counselors and provide them with tools and resources necessary to increase FAFSA applications and completions.” 

The board has already made progress in its commitment to increase FAFSA completion rates. Throughout September, �¼������ϲ� is partnering with Federal Student Aid and the U.S. Department of Education to establish an FSA ID testing site in �¼������ϲ�. An FSA ID is an integral piece of the FAFSA online application, establishing access to the Department of Education’s online systems and functioning like a digital signature.  

With the swift collaboration of Tempe Union District and Corona Del Sol High School, nearly 300 seniors were the first students in the nation to test the FSA ID process in both English and Spanish. These students provided critical feedback on the clarity and understanding of the FSA ID language, helping identify areas for simplification. The input they provided will be instrumental in making the process more user friendly, streamlining access to financial aid, and enhancing the overall user experience for millions of future applicants nationwide. 

Corona Del Sol High School was honored at Friday’s symposium for its participation in this project. Millennium High School in Goodyear was recognized as �¼������ϲ�'s School of Excellence Winner for the 2023-2024 American College Application Campaign.