
Broward Bridge 2 Life’s FAFSA Completion Event, October 2024.
Over the past year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) underwent an overhaul to streamline the form for students and families. However, due to an initial botched launch, many faced various challenges accessing and completing the form which unlocks federal financial aid for those pursuing a postsecondary education.
To ensure successful functionality for the subsequent 2025-26 FAFSA cycle, Federal Student Aid implemented multiple beta testing periods that occurred before the FAFSA officially launched in December. Two Florida community coalitions, Broward Bridge 2 Life and the Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers, were selected to lead and participate in beta testing periods throughout October 2024 and November 2024.
During the first FAFSA beta testing phase in October, Bridge 2 Life surpassed all other beta testing participants nationally in FAFSA completions and was the first in the country to submit a completed FAFSA. To reach as many students and families as possible, the organization hosted events in-person and virtually in collaboration with Broward Education Foundation, Broward County Public Schools, the University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, and Broward College. One event in the fall helped over 200 students complete the FAFSA.
Their recap video showcases their successful strategies. Bridge 2 Life also went on to participate in Beta Testing 3.
Meanwhile, the Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers partnered with three local high schools for the third round of FAFSA beta testing in November. With nearly 200 FAFSAs completed during this time, students had little to no issues logging on to access the form, a different experience compared to last year’s rollout. Students were also able to reach out to live agents who assisted with their specific needs.
Both organizations plan to continue their FAFSA completion efforts to ensure students are prepared to complete the form and go on to enroll in their postsecondary institution of choice.