Highland High simplifies financial aid for community
By Gilbert Public Schools
Posted 2/2/24
Gilbert Public Schools' high schools are working to simplify the process of accessing financial aid for students and families with a variety of events taking place over the next few months.
One …
You must be a member to read this story.
Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Gilbert Public Schools' high schools are working to simplify the process of accessing financial aid for students and families with a variety of events taking place over the next few months.
One such event was hosted by Highland High School recently, centered around a proactive approach to empower students, parents, and community members to navigate the intricate path to college.
The landscape of college resources has shifted, with colleges and universities facing constraints that limit their ability to reach out to high school students.
In the past, representatives from higher education institutions would visit high schools regularly to provide valuable insights into their programs and financial aid options. Now, not many representatives are available, leaving students with fewer opportunities to explore their options while placing more of the responsibility on high schools to inform students and parents.
The anxiety surrounding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, further adds to the issue, discouraging students from seeking financial support for their college endeavors.
Recognizing these problems, Highland High School aimed to figure out a way to educate students.
The answer? FAFSA Nights — an initiative designed to provide valuable information and simplify the complex landscape of financial aid.
At a FAFSA Night, participants are given a comprehensive presentation covering various financial aid options available for college. The session delves into scholarships, details about the new FAFSA, and a discussion on other accessible resources.
Importantly, it addresses common misconceptions surrounding the FAFSA, aiming to dispel concerns and empower attendees with accurate information.
Barb Dwyer, a college and career liason at Highland High, spearheads the school’s FAFSA Nights — encouraging students to complete the FAFSA every year as it can open the door for many other financial opportunities to pay for college.
“The transition from high school to college is a big one," Dwyer said. "It can be complicated and intimidating, I want to make that transition easier for our students. Scholarships change every year so it's important that they have all the resources they need to explore their options.”
FAFSA Nights at Highland High are open to students, parents, and community members throughout the Valley. Participants do not have to attend Highland High School to join.
The next FAFSA Night is on Feb. 6, with additional dates in March and April.
More information is available by contacting Barb Dwyer.
More information on FAFSA nights at GPS' other high schools can be had by visiting the school’s website for dates.
