Advocates for higher education in Alabama are mobilizing to ensure students have the support they need for federal student aid applications this summer.

Delays in the release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid have left many college-bound students in limbo about their financial aid eligibility.

Chandra Scott, executive director of the nonprofit Alabama Possible, said only about 42% of high school seniors applied for FAFSA this year, down sharply from 2023.

"That's still, yes, going in the right direction," Scott acknowledged. "But there's a lot of students who are still left behind, when that's really a 23% decline compared to last year. So, there's still a lot of work to be done."

Scott explained issues like the FAFSA's delayed rollout, technical glitches and slower college responses contributed to the challenges. Some parents even opted out of completing the FAFSA to avoid delaying their children's graduation. Despite these hurdles, Alabama ranks 16th in the nation for FAFSA completion.

With summer approaching, Scott pointed out many students will not have their school guidance counselors to lean on, but she wants families to know it isn't too late to start the application process, and help will be available throughout the state.

"We want to tell those students and those families you can still go back and complete the FAFSA, even though you completed the waiver," Scott emphasized. "Do not forget that is still a possibility."

Scott outlined plans to support students over the summer. She explained Alabama Possible is ramping up partnerships with counselors and career coaches, increasing outreach, and offering assistance through its Alabama Goes to College help desk and text message system.

"We have team members who are very well in depth of knowledge on how to complete those questions and really get them to support they need to complete it," Scott noted. "When you do reach out to us, you are getting an actual person to support you through that process."

She added help is available to students and families statewide, including for returning college students who may have questions about the FAFSA. Nationwide, just over 40% of students have completed their FAFSA, a nearly 16% drop from 2023.

A community college north of Sacramento is trying out an innovative way to lower costs for needy students with a new "Endow-a-Bed" program.

Sierra College received $80 million from the state to build a new dorm with 354 beds, where students will pay about $450 a month to live while they are in school.

Sonbol Aliabadi, executive director of the Sierra College Foundation, said donors have stepped up to offer free room and board for a few, very low-income students.

"We have a little over seven beds endowed," Aliabadi explained. "Hopefully, by the time that the dorms are ready, which will be the fall of 2026, we will have all 10 beds endowed already."

A recent report from the State Legislative Analyst found almost one-quarter of students surveyed at California community colleges reported being homeless at some point over the last twelve months.

Only full-time, very low-income students will qualify for the free room and meals at Sierra College. The school estimated it costs about $6,000 per year to offer the lodging, with meals at the school cafeteria at an additional cost.

Aliabadi noted donors are stepping up to keep the program running indefinitely.

"For a one-time investment of $250,000, at a rate of return of 3%, you generate about $7,500 a year," Aliabadi outlined. "That would cover both room and board for one student, in perpetuity."

Sierra College also got a grant to make four emergency beds available in the existing dorms. If a student suddenly becomes homeless, they can stay in the dorm for 30 days and work with the school to find permanent housing.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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California is facing a huge shortage of qualified health care workers, so the San Diego Community College District is stepping in to help recent grads afford professional testing and licensing.

The Ready2Work program reimburses health care students' fees as soon as they take the test or apply for the certification or license.

Laurie Coskey, vice chancellor for development and entrepreneurship for the San Diego Community College District, said they are responding to the needs of the marketplace.

"There is a big shortage in registered nurses, the radiology technicians, phlebotomy, information management assistants, dental assistants, vet techs," Coskey outlined. "They are in high demand."

The fees average about $500 and reimbursements range from $240 up to $1,200, mostly covered by foundations, private donors and some public funds. Health care students automatically qualify at San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College and the College of Continuing Education.

Coskey noted many students struggle financially and have families to support, so without the reimbursement, they would have to work and save for up to six months after graduation to cover the fees.

"The sooner our students take their tests from finishing the program, the more likelihood is that they will pass the test and get right into work," Coskey emphasized. "Our students are very excited."

Hundreds have benefited so far, with about $385,000 expected to help about 1,000 additional graduates this school year.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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Students enrolled at Wisconsin's technical colleges this fall might take a course where artificial intelligence is the star of the classroom.

Officials say it could help produce a more robust pipeline of workers in the Badger State.

Layla Merrifield, president of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges System, said manufacturers are making it clear they want a workforce with the know-how in programming and operating machinery fitted with AI, which is why the system is integrating it with coursework at regional campuses.

"Here in Wisconsin, we have a structural workforce shortage and our demographics are telling us that will continue," Merrifield pointed out. "What we're seeing, it's really upscaling the workforce."

Elected officials face pressure to adopt regulations to ensure artificial intelligence is used safely. Merrifield noted schools in Wisconsin prioritize teaching students how to use AI ethically and appropriately. An analysis from the Center for Security and Emerging Technology said community and technical colleges have the potential to grow and sustain the AI talent pool but barriers like inconsistent government funding need to be addressed.

Merrifield acknowledged Wisconsin's campuses are coming off modest general aid increases from the Legislature and will request more in the next budget cycle, noting the programs technical schools offer can be costly to maintain. They also have to balance tuition affordability.

"We understand that our students often come from limited means. They have limited financial resources," Merrifield stressed. "We try to keep tuition as low as possible."

Whether it's AI curriculum or other courses, Merrifield suggested they need the right amount of support to stay nimble and retool programming based on workforce trends. Waukesha County Technical College is one of the schools offering a class where students learn about the foundations of AI.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


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