March 22, 2024 update: Hawaiʻi P–20 and GEAR UP Hawaiʻi are extending the duration of the FAFSA Hawaiʻi Hotline. Beginning March 25, the hotline will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 31. By dialing (808) 842-2540 callers will be able to speak directly with counselors and financial aid specialists to assist with any FAFSA questions they may have.
Original story:
In response to the delayed release of the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, Hawaiʻi P–20 and GEAR UP Hawaiʻi are expanding current outreach efforts to further assist families across the state.
A FAFSA Hawaii Hotline will be available March 18–22, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Callers will be able to speak directly with counselors and financial aid specialists to assist with any questions regarding the FAFSA process at (808) 842-2540.
Additionally, virtual FAFSA submission summary (FSS) review workshops have been scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, March 28, and Thursday, April 4. The FSS review workshops will offer families details on what they can expect in the months following their FAFSA submission, including how to review their FSS and student aid report. Register for these free webinars.
“With so many uncertainties surrounding the current FAFSA, we want people to know that we are here to help with the process,” said Gus Cobb-Adams, Hawaiʻi P–20 college application and transition specialist. “Completing the FAFSA is necessary whether you plan to attend a two-year or a four-year college, and it must be completed each year.”
It is anticipated that the FSS will be available by Federal Student Aid (FSA) and sent directly to students in March. Scholarship providers understand there is a delay in processing the FAFSA form and awarding financial aid funding. Families should confirm with scholarship providers regarding any deadlines for applications in addition to verifying any college tuition deadlines.
Hawaiʻi P–20 will continue its virtual FAFSA completion workshops on Wednesday evenings through April to allow families to ask financial aid questions, get individual assistance with creating their FSA ID or work directly with an expert to submit their FAFSA. During these sessions, attendees are placed with a representative to receive individualized feedback. Families may also email FAFSA@hawaii.edu to contact University of Hawaiʻi System financial aid officers and FAFSA experts year round.
Additional efforts to reach families statewide include Hawaiʻi P–20’s recent collaboration with the Native Hawaiian Education Association (NHEA) for the Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha Series. Nearly 1,000 local families gathered to attend these in-person events across six of the neighboring Hawaiian Islands, which included our state’s most vulnerable and geographically isolated communities. The purpose of the series is to provide students an opportunity to discover scholarships that are available to Native Hawaiians in one place. During each event multiple $500 scholarships were awarded by event co-sponsors and matched by the UH System, in addition to FAFSA and financial aid representatives available on site to ask questions or complete their FSA ID.
For information about upcoming events for high school juniors and seniors, or to register for free upcoming FAFSA workshops or Junior JumpStart financial aid planning webinars starting in April, visit this website.
