In a weekly series, Ed Trust–NY will highlight New York FAFSA Challenge Winners for the 2021-2022 school year and the promising strategies they used to support more students to complete the FAFSA.
Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy Schools have a set of college coordinators who help students and their families through the entire college and financial aid application process. The school meets with families individually once college acceptances and financial packages are awarded to help them decide what college or university is the best fit financially and academically for each student. The school has had these meetings via the phone and zoom to maintain safety measures during the pandemic.
The school also requires students to apply for a minimum of six scholarships in order to help them access college financial aid. Siri, who will receive the FAFSA Challenge scholarship, is a first-generation college student. Siri is active in athletics. He is a kind student and has a big personality. He is attending SUNY Plattsburgh in the fall to study nursing.