WASAC says Washington Completes FAFSA campaign hit its 46,000-applications goal; staff highlight targeted outreach and data tools

Amy Keltner, senior director of policy and programs at the Washington Student Achievement Council, and Sarah Weiss, director of the College Access Initiative, updated the board on the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign and said the class of 2026 exceeded the campaign goal.

“As of July 30, we have met and exceeded the goal of 46,000 applications. We are now at 46,168,” Amy Keltner said, noting that the success represents momentum but still only a little over half of Washington high school seniors. WASAC outlined four campaign goals: 46,000 FAFSA/WASFA completions for high-school seniors, a 6-percentage-point increase in completion among students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in at least 150 high schools, closing completion gaps across racial and ethnic groups, and reducing disparities overall.

WASAC staff described tools and tactics used to hit targets: a public dashboard showing school- and district-level completion rates and equity views; priority-school supports that provide data and event resources; targeted messaging based on application progress; training for more than 1,500 school and community staff; and partnerships with businesses and community institutions. Sarah Weiss highlighted local innovations used this year—Toppenish High School produced a TikTok outreach video to reach students, Spokane Teachers Credit Union trained branch staff to help families complete applications, and the Mariners hosted a financial-aid awareness game that drew hundreds of students.

Board members asked how application completion translates to enrollment. WASAC said it is pursuing research and has launched workgroups to study the relationship between FAFSA/WASFA completion, Washington College Grant qualification and postsecondary enrollment, persistence and labor-market outcomes. WASAC also noted the campaign continues through September 30 for counting and that staff will propose next year’s goals in the fall.