Youngker High School in Buckeye, Arizona, is the latest school to be recognized for its Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion numbers. The Arizona Board of Regents awarded the Youngker GEAR UP Team with the FAFSA Challenge Most Innovative Player Award for the month of December– a recognition for schools that use fresh ideas to help students in FAFSA Completion.
The Youngker GEAR UP Team, consisting of coaches Denise El Habach and Christina Taylor, work with the school and students year-round in a variety of outlets to help support students in their educational journeys and postsecondary plans. Youngker High School is featured on the ABOR FAFSA Challenge website, where they share their best practices and tips on helping support Arizona students.
The Youngker High School Community has focused on building a college-going culture at Youngker, and with the support of the school and GEAR UP, FAFSA completion numbers are up compared to previous years.
“It takes a village to help establish a college-going culture. GEAR UP, YHS Counselors, Future Ready, Government teachers, our admin team, and all staff have supported students with their postsecondary plans. With the help of GEAR UP, we have been able to give more time and support to students by educating them and their families on postsecondary plans and taking the action steps necessary to accomplish those plans,” GEAR UP Coach Denise El Habach said.
In addition, to further support FAFSA awareness, our partners at Education Forward Arizona and Ask Benji are providing a $500 scholarship to a Youngker High School Senior looking to pursue their education beyond graduation. Students interested in the scholarship can submit an essay on how the FAFSA and financial aid will help them in the future, as well as share ideas on what resources could help students and families complete the FAFSA.