In Broward County, Bridge 2 Life hosted FAFSA completion events to share information and guidance about the form.
A single form—the FAFSA—often determines whether a student’s path leads to college or stops short. Across Florida, local coalitions are proving that sustained, targeted effort can significantly boost completion rates.
Thanks to a two-year initiative led by the Florida College Access Network in partnership with the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, these community leaders are taking a data-informed, student-centered approach to boost FAFSA completion rates and increase enrollment in education after high school. The Post-High School College Enrollment Innovation project seeks to increase college-going rates by at least 4% for the graduating Classes of 2025 and 2026.
“The groundwork laid through this statewide collaboration is generating promising momentum in helping students get the education that will prepare them for rewarding careers,” said Braulio Colón, FCAN’s executive director. “And students are showing up, hoping to continue their educational journey.”
Supporting thousands of FAFSA filings and one-on-one advising in Broward County
In Broward County, the team at Bridge 2 Life is working on two fronts to boost college enrollment: organizing FAFSA workshops and offering individualized advising sessions for students and families navigating the college enrollment process.
“As of March 31, Broward County families have completed 5,689 FAFSAs; this represents a 9% increase over prior year completions” said Tron Lippett of Bridge 2 Life. “We can’t take credit for all of them, but we definitely contributed to that number through the workshops we’ve hosted this year.”
Bridge 2 Life also offers $20 Amazon e-gift cards with proof of FAFSA completion.
Their team of six program advisors are actively supporting families through one-on-one sessions. These sessions cover everything from FSA ID setup and FAFSA completion to dual enrollment guidance, career exploration and college applications.
Early support is critical for preparing both the Class of 2025 and Class of 2026. So far, 2,081 families have registered for an advising session, which includes 682 seniors, and 333 appointments have been scheduled. In addition, over 1,200 juniors signed up, and 200 have already booked time with an advisor.
Bridge 2 Life participated in last year’s nationwide beta testing period of the FAFSA with support by the U.S. Department of Education. This year, their advisors are ready to lead early access to the FAFSA to help identify any issues.
View Bridge 2 Life’s 2025-2026 FAFSA Beta Session Recap Video:
Building relationships to surpass FAFSA Completion goals
In Pensacola, strengthening school-based partnerships is central to Achieve Escambia’s college enrollment efforts. Working closely with four Title I high schools, their team uses FAFSA completion as a key strategy to keep students on the college path.
“Our biggest success has been the relationship building,” Ruthie Noel, Achieve Escambia’s executive director. “Just getting everyone on the same page—school counselors, principals, our state college, and university—has been one of the biggest wins.”
According to the latest data from FCAN’s 2024–2025 FAFSA Tracker Dashboard, Escambia County surpassed its FAFSA completion goal—reaching 43.9% exceeding the initial target of 36.1%.
In Miami-Dade, immersive college experiences drive FAFSA completion
Graduate Miami-Dade is leveraging community partnerships to provide students with hands-on, immersive exposure to college life while boosting FAFSA completion rates. Their work with the NoMi Scholars Program—a collaboration between the TRIO Program, North Miami Public Library, and North Miami Senior High School—expanded this year to serve more students.
“We scaled the program from 30 to 60 students,” said Natalia Gamundi, Graduate Miami Dade Lead and Program Officer at United Way Miami. “It’s more than just FAFSA workshops. These students receive mentorship and support services to keep them on track with their college application process, go on college tours, many for the first time in their lives. We want them to see what’s possible.”
Currently, Miami-Dade County’s FAFSA completion rate stands at 53.8%. While not all completions can be attributed solely to Graduate Miami-Dade, Gamundi emphasized the collective impact of their network.
“Through efforts like our March Madness FAFSA Challenge and the work of our partners—Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, FIU, and other members—we’re seeing movement in the right direction,” she said.
Expanding future leaders academy and boosting FAFSA completion
In Manatee County, UnidosNow partnered with REACH Manatee to expand its proven Future Leaders Academy and empower student-led LeadNow Clubs—boosting FAFSA completion rates and financial literacy among students and families in Manatee County high schools.
“This collaborative, peer-to-peer initiative focuses on schools with the lowest FAFSA completion rates, equipping student leaders with the training and tools to guide their peers through the financial aid process and promote a culture of college readiness,” said Evelyn Almodovar, UnidosNow’s executive director. “Already, one of the three targeted schools has met its improvement goal.”
The other two schools are gearing up to launch FAFSA efforts early in the upcoming school year—demonstrating the power of student leadership and community collaboration in helping students with college access.
UpliftED advances FAFSA support for students at Colonial High School
In Orange County, upliftED is spearheading efforts to increase FAFSA completion among Colonial High School’s seniors. They began by offering FAFSA assistance.
“In April, we helped 22 students complete their FAFSA applications, and that momentum has opened the door for stronger partnerships moving forward,” said Daisy Franklin, upliftED’s program manager.
“Building these relationships with the school and district is key to supporting students beyond just one program year.”
Increasing enrollment in education after high school, which will prepare students for rewarding careers, requires dollars. FAFSA gives students and families resources to gain access. FAFSA completion is more than an indicator for college enrollment—it’s a gateway to opportunity for many students who struggle financially. As local partners build trust, offer support, and innovate outreach strategies, students across Florida are better positioned to access the financial aid they need. These collective efforts pave the way for a stronger Florida through a more prepared talent pool.
Building a Talent Strong Florida
All these efforts represent a Florida working together to build a Talent Strong Florida. Florida College Access Network believes a Talent Strong Florida is one where every Floridian has access to high-value post-high school credentials and degrees. Bridging individual career interests and aspirations with the programs that align with Florida’s talent needs is a service of the FCAN and Talent Strong Florida movement.
This article is part of a series about The Post-High School College Enrollment Innovation project funded by FCAN and the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation to support seniors at select Title I high schools.
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