Wisconsin has significant workforce shortages in almost every occupational area, but especially in careers such as engineers, physicians, nurses, and teachers. The recession and now inflation associated with the pandemic have only made the situation worse.
WAICU is working with the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the state’s two tribal colleges, and a variety of stake- holders to increase awareness of the student aid processes and to encourage students to apply.
Wisconsin’s high school class of 2021 left an estimated $49.6 million in Pell Grants on the table because students did not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education uses the FAFSA to deter- mine students’ eligibility for federal student aid, including low-cost loans, grants, and work-study. Wisconsin Grants and other Wisconsin need-based aid also are determined using students’ FAFSA information.
WAICU is working with the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the state’s two tribal colleges, and a variety of stakeholders to increase awareness of the student aid processes and to encourage students to apply.
According to a report recently released by the Wisconsin Policy Forum, “Amid the chaotic conditions of COVID-19, fewer seniors at Wisconsin high schools filled out a key federal financial aid form, with the number of completions falling by 6.3 percent from 2019 to 2020, and 12.2 percent from 2019 to 2021. The declines were greater than the national drops of 3.2 percent from 2019 to 2020 and 7.8 percent from 2019 to 2021.”
Additionally, data released by the Wisconsin Attainment Network found that FAFSA completion is highly correlated to higher education enrollment. Nationally, 92 percent of high school seniors who completed the FAFSA enrolled by the November following graduation, versus 51 per- cent who did not complete a FAFSA.
Increasing opportunity for individuals who have financial barriers to attend higher education is inextricably linked to filling Wisconsin’s employment gaps. Wisconsin needs to “grow our own” to strategically build our workforce. When students succeed, we all benefit.
Support for student financial aid, such as the Double Pell campaign, WAICU’s 2,022 Advocates in 2022 Campaign, and increases in Wisconsin Grants, are WAICU’s top priority. However, without a concerted emphasis on FAFSA completion, that money will continue to be left on the table, and efforts to meet Wisconsin’s work- force needs also will come up short.