College-Going Initiatives
Minnesota Initiatives with National Support
College application and FAFSA completion events have been in Minnesota since 2011 and 2003, respectively. Both efforts started as offshoots of national campaigns to increase college access for underrepresented students. Since 2014, all fifty states organize and support college application and FAFSA completion efforts. States are supported by ACT's Center for Equity in Learning and The National College Access Network (NCAN).
During October, high schools host college exploration activities and dedicate time and space for seniors to complete college applications. Many Minnesota postsecondary institutions waive application fees during this time to remove a barrier for some students who might not otherwise submit an application.
FAFSA completion events help students and families with the next step in the college process: completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA completion events are hosted by high schools, postsecondary institutions and community organizations and typically run October through February.
These events commemorate students’ decisions after high school. Whether they are going to college, into the military service, or directly into the workforce, their hard work in high school deserves to be celebrated! Host sites and communities typically hold Decision Day events during May.
