FAST FAFSA Summer Outreach Continues in Racine and Kenosha

Written By Leslie Lukas

This summer, the Financial Aid Support Team (F.A.S.T.) has been hard at work in both Racine and Kenosha counties, completing outreach to the class of 2025. The purpose of this outreach is to provide support with completing their FAFSA and exploring college for this fall.

Why Complete the FAFSA?

Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the best predictors of whether a high school senior will go on to college.

FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take toward affording college—but it’s also one of the most overlooked. Nationally, billions of dollars in federal financial aid go unclaimed every year simply because students don’t complete the FAFSA. In fact, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) the high school class of 2024 left almost $4.4 billion on the table by not completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This represents a $400 million increase in unused Pell Grants, compared to the class of 2023. And the total Pell Grant Dollars left on the table by Class of 2024 Graduates in Wisconsin: $66,256,304.

Locally, we’ve seen how strategic support can make a difference. In the summer of 2024, Racine Unified School District (RUSD) saw a 21% increase in FAFSA completions from collaborative partnerships and one-on-one support. Higher Expectations and Building Our Future has partnered with RUSD, KUSD, UW-Parkside, Carthage College, Herzing University and Gateway Technical College.

FAST FAFSA Goals

  • Reach out to every student in Racine and Kenosha who has not completed the FAFSA

  • Better understand what barriers prevented them from doing so during the school year

  • Connect with students who did complete the FAFSA to learn more about their postsecondary plans

By collecting this information, we can support schools, counselors, and families with stronger tools and resources earlier in the year—making FAFSA completion a smoother, more equitable process for future students.

Connect with FAST!

Click the button below to learn more about our summer outreach and get connected with the Financial Aid Support Team.

Visit the team this summer and get help with your FAFSA:

  • Racine Public Library | Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4-6 PM

  • Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy | Tuesdays from 5-7 PM

Leslie Lukas

Leslie works as the Communications Coordinator/Consultant at Higher Expectations for Racine County. Joining the team in early 2024, she comes with a communications background in higher education and the nonprofit sector.

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