Revamped FAFSA form, new statewide completion goal in focus at ABOR college readiness symposium

Hundreds of high school counselors and college access professionals gathered Friday at Arizona State University for the third annual FAFSA and College Readiness Symposium. The yearly convening hosted by the Arizona Board of Regents equips educators with tools to guide students through the federal financial aid process and plan for college.

The revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid form launching Oct. 1 was the primary focus for the 400 attendees eager for updates on the changes. Gov. Katie Hobbs and ABOR also revealed a new statewide FAFSA completion goal — 48% FAFSA for the class of 2026 — and celebrated Arizona’s strong year-over-year progress.

“This is about giving you new and better tools to help you do your job,” Chad Sampson, ABOR executive director, said in his opening remarks. “FAFSA is more than just a form — it’s a gateway. It’s a gateway to opportunity, to unlocking financial aid and to the life-changing power of higher education.

“In the last FAFSA cycle, we achieved our 40% state goal and ranked sixth nationally in year-over-year improvement. That consistency is a clear sign that our collective efforts are working.”

Building on this momentum, the symposium offered a comprehensive program with state and national speakers highlighting the FAFSA’s improvement, followed by breakout sessions. The 22 sessions featured topics from artificial intelligence in college planning to scholarship strategies, and roundtable discussions led by college access partners and representatives from the state’s three public universities — Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. Attendees also had the opportunity to earn continuing education units and network with peers on best FAFSA practices.

Key resources supporting student success through College Ready AZ were highlighted by Julie Sainz, ABOR's director of FAFSA and college access initiatives. The one-stop shop for college planning provides students, families, counselors and educators with valuable information and tools, including FAFSA guidance and support for the 50 by Fall campaign. Additionally, Arizona College Connect offers a tracking tool for FAFSA progress, while the FAFSA Peer Coach Program empowers students to assist peers in the financial aid process.

In a video message, Gov. Hobbs praised participants for paving bright paths, unlocking millions in federal aid and opening doors to high-demand careers. She urged schools to join the 50 by Fall campaign, aiming for 50% FAFSA completion rates by Dec. 31.

Luis Heredia, state director for U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, encouraged the full room of educators and counselors with his story as a first-generation student from Yuma.

“I wouldn't be in the position I'm in without a counselor at Cibola High School who believed in me,” Heredia said. “She understood my dreams and connected the dots about what I needed to do. That's how I ended up at ASU, through the leadership scholarship program, which ultimately led me to my involvement in politics.”

Federal Student Aid's Neeta Sonalkar joined virtually to detail 2026-27 FAFSA enhancements, including a simplified parent invitation process — now just an email and code — and real-time verification. The announcement sparked applause from the 400 attendees.

“This is a game changer,” Sonalkar said, citing the impact of beta tests at sites like Tempe's Corona del Sol High School, where 350 students completed forms in 10-15 minutes.

Neyveth Duarte, the college and career counselor at Empowered College Prep High School in Phoenix, was a first-time symposium attendee who left with a wealth of resources. “As counselors, there's so much to know — FAFSA, scholarships, universities. It's hard to keep up,” Duarte said. “These events empower us to empower the next generation.”

Jeremy Scott, counselor at Florence High School, has made it a priority to attend the annual symposium. “This event helps a lot of us in these roles to be able to be successful in what we do. The board of regents does a really good job,” Scott said. “The initiative to grow FAFSA completion in the state of Arizona is fantastic. It’s super important to try to get kids into college and fill gaps in the labor market. Counselors know that if students fill out the FAFSA, there is huge increase in the chance they go to college.”

For more information on FAFSA and for college readiness tools highlighted at the symposium, visit CollegeReadyAZ.com.