Page 44 - TMCF 2024 Annual Report

THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO AID FAFSA COMPLETION
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) began a campaign to help students complete the new
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The rollout of the Better FAFSA, which aims to simplify the intricate process of allowing students to apply for federal student aid such as grants, work- study funds, and loans, has created unintentional obstacles for students and postsecondary institutions since its release late last year. These obstacles have created negative impacts on the Black collegiate community and its institutions.
“Students at these institutions, graduating with
$25,000 more in student loan debt than their white peers, are placed in an even more vulnerable position due to these delays,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “HBCUs are historically underfunded and these delays add to budget drafting challenges, potential errors in financial aid awarded to students, and institutions falling behind schedule with limited time and resources to catch up.”
As an advocate for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) and historically Black community colleges (HBCCs) and their students, TMCF sought immediate solutions to these issues and pledged to assist its member schools and students. Made possible through funding from the ECMC Foundation, TMCF developed a website, managed a peer-led call center, employed students from its member schools, and promoted and advertised FAFSA completion through a national campaign.
The campaign took place from over the summer to boost FAFSA completion rates. This multi-faceted approach included a targeted ad campaign, a website with completion information and FAQs, informational webinars and office hours to provide guidance on the completion process, and the establishment of a call center with trained
peer facilitators, who connected directly with incoming and returning students (and their guardians) who had yet to complete the FAFSA. This initiative provided employment for at least 54 students from member schools for 10 weeks and allowed institutions additional resources for direct engagement to boost FAFSA completion.
“These additional efforts are critical, but it’s not enough to prevent further damage caused by the delayed process. TMCF and HBCU leaders continue to engage with the U.S. Department of Education to resolve these issues,” Williams said.
In addition to this campaign, TMCF officials spoke out on a national level, urging government leaders to take steps to safeguard and support HBCUs and their students during the implementation of the Better FAFSA. Until all errors were fixed, TMCF took the stance that the verification process to ensure student data is accurate should be suspended and institutions should not be held liable for any errors in awarding financial aid caused by the process.
44 2024 ANNUAL REPORT