While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid might be a complicated form to fill out, it’s something all high school students need to do if they want a chance to qualify for federal Pell grants, state grants and most scholarships. But not all students and families are eager to dive into the process. Some have put it off indefinitely.

It is good, then, to see the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Department of Education extend their FAFSA 21 initiative with FAFSA 22, aimed to support Buckeye State students in completing the application. Particularly after the past couple of years, students need all the encouragement they can get.

Additionally, $1.8 million will be provided in the federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief for FAFSA completion projects during the 2021-2022 school year.

“It would be a shame for students to pass up opportunities because they aren’t aware of money that’s available to them,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria said recently. “… You need to turn in a FAFSA in order to really check out all your options.”

Funds for the FAFSA completion project have been used across the state for financial aid nights, booths at community events, virtual college nights, one-on-one advising sessions and more, all intended to get the word out about this opportunity .

Yes, it can be daunting filling out application forms such as the FAFSA. But for many students, it makes a big difference in the options that are available to them as they plot out their futures. Given the hefty campaigns in place to make the process a little less scary, families, teachers and administrators must continue to encourage students to get this one done.