Regional FAFSA Summit Celebrates Progress and Strengthens Commitment to College Access
On October 9, partners from across Racine and Kenosha Counties gathered at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside for the fourth annual Regional FAFSA Summit. Hosted by Higher Expectations for Racine County and Building Our Future in Kenosha County, the Summit brought together educators, financial aid professionals, community partners, and local leaders to celebrate progress and continue working toward greater postsecondary access for students across our region.
One of the highlights of the Summit was recognizing schools making progress in FAFSA completion. Bradford High School received the Most Improved Award, with FAFSA completion increasing by 16%.
The Summit also marked the passing of the GOAT Trophy to Kenosha Unified School District. Four KUSD schools have shown improvement so far in the most recent FAFSA cycle, highlighting the ongoing work happening across the district to help students and families take this important step toward life after high school.
These recognitions celebrate the efforts of schools and partners working to make sure more students have access to financial aid and opportunities to continue their education after graduation.
October Recognized as FAFSA Month
The Summit also highlighted the importance of FAFSA completion through proclamations recognizing October as FAFSA Month.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Racine County Executive Ralph Malicki presented proclamations at the Summit. Additional proclamations were issued by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, and Racine Mayor Cory Mason.
These recognitions underscore the importance of helping students and families understand the financial aid process and access the resources available to them as they plan for education after high school.
A Regional Effort to Expand Opportunity
The Regional FAFSA Summit is part of the ongoing postsecondary access partnership between Higher Expectations and Building Our Future. Through collaboration among school districts, colleges, financial aid professionals, and community partners, the two organizations are working toward a shared goal: increasing the percentage of high school graduates in Racine and Kenosha Counties who enroll in a postsecondary program the fall after graduation.
Thank you to our Regional FAFSA Summit sponsors for helping make this work possible: Racine Unified School District, Kenosha Unified School District, Carthage College, Gateway Technical College, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Campbell Construction, Johnson Financial Group, and Educators Credit Union. Their support helps bring our region together around a shared commitment to students and their futures.
The Summit is one part of a year-round regional effort to strengthen FAFSA completion, expand access to financial aid, and help more students pursue their education and career goals after high school.