FAF$A Next

For several years, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) have partnered with high schools in Virginia to provide free FAFSA assistance to students and their families.

This event, the FAF$A Next event, is an annual statewide initiative designed to increase FAFSA completion throughout the Commonwealth, with a special focus on schools that serve a student population where 50% or more are eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program for free and reduced-priced lunches – the population in greatest need of guidance and resources to conquer the financial-aid process. Many of the students who qualify for free and reduced-priced lunches will be eligible for free need-based financial aid, including the federal Pell Grant. Completion of the FAFSA is the first step to receiving grants and other financial aid. Participating Virginia high schools host events where high school seniors and their families receive free assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAFSA Release Date: The 2026-27 FAFSA is available at StudentAid.gov.

Host sites receive the following:

• Site coordinator webinar training
• Promotional materials
• Stipend for event purchases
• Statewide scholarship drawing
• School competition for FAFSA completion

Site Resources

**Disclaimer**
The resources provided for Level Up Virginia events are intended solely for educational purposes and to assist in preparing students for education after high school. Any customization of these resources must align with the mission of promoting academic readiness and higher education access. Level Up Virginia reserves the right to revoke access to these resources if they are used in a manner inconsistent with our mission or values.

• Event Guide
• Event Flyer
• Info Needed for FAFSA
• Volunteer Labels
• Scholarship Entry Form (for registered sites)
• Photo-Video Notice
• Event Sign-In Sheet
• Event Directional Signs
• After FAFSA Submission: What's Next?

General Resources

• ECMC Opportunities Guide and Workbook
• Federal Student Aid
• FAFSA Completion by High School and Public School District
• Federal Student Aid Toolkit for School Counselors
• FSA StudentAid.gov Account Creation Email Template (English) (Spanish)
• Federal Student Aid Resources
• Federal Student Aid YouTube
• Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) Application

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