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The ����TV���� and Governor Katie Hobbs have partnered to launch the , a statewide initiative designed to substantially increase Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rates and unlock college opportunities for thousands of high school seniors.

This campaign reflects a shared commitment to postsecondary access and student success between the board and Governor Hobbs. By aligning state leadership with local school and community efforts, Arizona is taking an innovative approach to help more students secure the financial aid they need for college and build a strong foundation for lifelong career achievement.

In a letter to educators circulated this week, Governor Hobbs and ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear emphasized the campaign’s urgency and promise, noting that completion of the FAFSA is one of the most powerful steps a student can take toward accessing higher education.

“The board appreciates Arizona’s education leaders who are working hard to help more students complete the FAFSA,” said Goodyear. “The 50 by Fall initiative provides additional incentives to encourage schools to continue their efforts to increase FAFSA completion rates and motivate students to pursue college. A college education can open doors and change lives, and we want every Arizona student to have that chance.”

The 50 by Fall campaign invites all Title I and public high schools that did not meet last year’s 40% FAFSA completion goal to participate. Schools that sign the pledge and reach 50% FAFSA completion among their senior class by Dec. 31 will receive financial awards from the board ranging from $1,000 to $4,500, based on class size. Title I schools will also be eligible for an additional $500. Schools that don’t reach 50% by that date but increase their FAFSA completion by at least 10% in the first three months compared to completions on March 1, 2025, will still receive a smaller incentive award. Funds will be distributed in January to further boost FAFSA completion efforts and sustain momentum.

To participate, schools must sign the pledge by Oct.1 at and maintain a data-sharing agreement through , which allows real-time tracking of FAFSA completions. Participating schools will also gain access to a robust suite of tools and resources, including:

•           Technical assistance and best practices from FAFSA experts.
•           Access to virtual and in-person FAFSA workshops.
•           Monthly webinars in partnership with the Be a Leader Foundation.
•           FAFSA toolkits.
•           Social media templates.

The 50 by Fall campaign builds on Arizona’s recent increase in FAFSA completion. In the last five cycles, Arizona has ranked in the top 10 nationally in year-over-year improvement. In the most recent cycle, the state achieved its 40% statewide goal and ranked sixth nationally in year-over-year FAFSA improvement. Arizona’s FAFSA completion rates have historically lagged behind the national average, and Arizona students left over $120 million in Federal Pell Grants unclaimed in the last cycle.

Data from the National College Attainment Network shows that students are to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after high school when they complete the FAFSA. This fall, students will have their first opportunity to complete the new and enhanced FAFSA form, which is scheduled to open Oct. 1 after several cycles of technical challenges and delays.

Arizona students were instrumental in the rollout of the updated FAFSA form, participating in beta testing with the U.S. Department of Education and Federal Student Aid office to ensure the form is user-friendly and free of technical issues. Students navigated the 2026-27 form in both English and Spanish, testing key upgrades that allow instant verification capabilities with the Social Security Administration and a simplified parent email invitation process.

Building on momentum set by the FAFSA improvements, the 50 by Fall program's financial incentives and tools will further boost college access and readiness for Arizona students.

“The 50 by Fall campaign is about giving schools the practical tools and expert support they need to help students take the next step toward college,” said Julie Sainz, ABOR director of FAFSA and College Access Initiatives. “When educators are equipped to guide families through the FAFSA process, and provided more resources like those available through College Ready AZ, it brings us closer to our statewide goal and opens the door to life-changing opportunities for Arizona students.”

For more information on the 50 by Fall campaign, visit .