On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the Office of Student Life’s High School Guidance team held professional development for school counselors, in partnership with Bloomfield College President’s Office, Newark City Learning Collaborative (NCLC) and New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJHESAA). The training was focused on changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the 2023-2024 filing year. The district’s school counselors received training from André Maglione and learned about the changes with the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), parent/guardian tax filing, NJ STARS II Scholarship Program, and the importance of students applying to the Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF).
Beginning with the Class of 2022, the Newark Board of Education amended the graduation requirements to include completion of the FAFSA or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA). During the professional development, Mr. Maglione assisted the school counselors in unpacking the FAFSA and NJAFAA application to further enhance their knowledge base and skillset to support students and families with post-secondary planning. A case study was used in the session to conduct a deeper analysis of the content and skills needed to assist applicants and their families.
For more information on completing the FAFSA, click here.