New FAFSA Fallout: The Case for Supporting Seniors

Friends,

You likely know that hundreds of thousands of students have been harmed by the clunky rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Their college decisions have been put on hold, they have lost funding opportunities, and many have not submitted at all — nationally, FAFSA completion is down nearly 30%, an estimated 700,000 students.

While BRYC is proud that 100% of our Class of 2024 completed the FAFSA, there is no way to know how much funding they have sacrificed to this error-filled process. Even more costly are the delays preventing Fellows from making financially-informed college decisions — as of May 1, traditionally College Signing Day, only two seniors have received all their financial aid offer letters.

Our end-of-year giving campaign is focused on direct financial support for seniors. We hope to raise $25,000 by May 31 so every senior has at least an additional $250 to cover college transition expenses. Every dollar donated at thebryc.org/2024 goes to them.

This is a chance to take real action against a systemic failure that has hurt students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Your gift will help our Fellows matriculate smoothly and start freshman year on better financial footing. Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Lucas Spielfogel
Executive Director