HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut high school students could be required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form in order to graduate, under a legislative proposal Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled Thursday in hopes of increasing how many students seek post-secondary education.
The Democrat’s bill would also create an auto-admission program at the four Connecticut State University System campuses that would simplify the application process and remove application fees for academically prepared high school students.
“Increasing postsecondary enrollment and success, particularly among first-generation, low-income, and minority students, is good for students and our state’s economy,” Lamont said.
Citing data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, he noted that during the pandemic, there has been a 3.5 percentage point decline in college enrollment from 2019 levels in Connecticut. Also, FAFSA completion among high school seniors is down 8% compared to this time last year.
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Interim President Jane Gates said eligible students too often skip filling out the FAFSA, believing they won’t qualify for funding, and “end up unnecessarily paying hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket.”
Under Lamont’s bill, students could also fill out a form requesting to waive the requirement. Additionally, students without legal status in the U.S. would fill out a state form that would be similar to the FAFSA.
Lamont’s proposal, which has support from many Democratic legislators, also attempts to increase access to programs that allow high school students to participate in Advanced Placement courses and earn college credit.
For example, it would allow school districts to automatically enroll students in advanced coursework if a student is academically prepared. Also, districts could not prohibit students from taking such courses based solely on their prior academic performance.
The bill would also create an expanded transit pass program for students.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.