United Way of Delaware supports Delaware's incoming college freshmen with FAFSA help

WILMINGTON — United Way of Delaware (UWDE), through UWDE’s program Stand By Me (SBM) NexGen, is helping Delaware’s high school graduates who are preparing to start college to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

FAFSA is a free form that students can complete to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs before each year of college. Many colleges and universities require a FAFSA for the student to qualify for financial assistance. However, the form can be complex for incoming students to complete, especially if no one in their family has experience with the FAFSA.

SBM NexGen provides free and confidential assistance for completing the FAFSA. Students and their parents can schedule a one-on-one meeting with an SBM FAFSA coach or attend a group seminar with a follow-up coaching session if needed.

In August, SBM coaches will be available at New Student Orientation (NSO) at all four Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech) campuses to assist incoming students with any questions they may have about FAFSA. The Delaware Tech NSO sessions are Aug. 14, 15, and 16; visit dtcc.edu/admissions-financial-aid/nso/ for information. All SBM coaching is available in both English and Spanish.

In June and July, SBM coaches supported Delaware State University’s (DSU) NSO sessions and met with over 100 incoming students who had questions about the FAFSA.

Because the FAFSA is a federal document, the Federal government tracks its completion. In 2023, Delaware ranked fourth in the country in the percentage of graduating high school students who completed a FAFSA.

For 2024, per the National College Attainment Network , Delaware slipped a bit and is at 54% completion , which puts Delaware in seventh place nationwide. However, as more students completed their FAFSA, the overall completion rate ticked by 1.5 points since July 1.

The goal, as stated by the Delaware Higher Education Office of the Department of Education, is 60% completion.

“United Way of Delaware, through the Stand By Me NexGen program, has provided critical assistance to our incoming students, including those seeking a SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) scholarship,” said Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard.

“The SEED scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for eligible students to receive free college tuition for up to three years, and the SBM NexGen’s FAFSA assistance program helps our students take advantage of this life-changing funding.”

UWDE supports all Delaware students who need assistance with FAFSA. Students or their parents can schedule a free appointment with a coach or RSVP to participate in a group seminar at uwde.org/fafsa . Group seminars are hosted at public libraries and community-based organizations and are entirely free. SBM NexGen coaching is available in both English and Spanish.