Target: Miguel Cardona, Secretary of U.S. Department of Education
Goal: Resolve issues with new FAFSA rollout adversely affecting prospective college students.
The college application process is one of the most stressful times for students and families, and an amendment to this process touted as easier and more user-friendly is raising stress levels. The rollout of a new form of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has created headaches because of its months-long late release, its plethora of technical glitches for online users, and its delayed release to schools and colleges. As a result, students who need financial assistance to achieve their higher education dreams are left wondering if these dreams can even be realized.
Because of all the delays and problems, students may miss out on key submission deadlines. And their ultimate acceptance decisions will be impacted by not knowing how much assistance they will receive until spring at the earliest. While some schools have been accommodating to the issues and extended deadlines, these circumstances are far from the norm.
Sign the petition below to demand the nation’s Department of Education make the necessary adjustments to ensure that no student is left behind.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Cardona,
Students and families who were promised a more hassle-free and stress-free college application process are instead encountering months-long delays and technical problems with no clear fixes that are endangering their dreams. For the students who need this aid the most—such as Pell Grant applicants and students whose parents do not have a social security number—the ramifications are even more pronounced. Every person aspiring for a higher education deserves better.
Clarity and better guidance must be provided for students encountering problems. And this department must not rely exclusively on the understanding of higher education institutions as it works through glitches. Create better lines of communication with these institutions and make resolving technical issues for online applications and expediting the process a top priority.
Do everything in your power to make sure that students are not punished for bureaucratic mishaps.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Stanley Morales
500 Signatures