In mid-October, seniors and their families received word that Townsend Harris was one of five schools in Queens selected to be part of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Beta Program, allowing eligible students to apply for financial aid earlier than in previous years.
The revamped FAFSA aims to simplify the financial aid process with a more user-friendly interface, mobile device compatibility, and improved data-uploading options. For many students and families, these updates represent a critical step toward making college more accessible.
Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services Jessica Graf spoke to The Classic about how THHS became involved in the initiative.
“We received an invitation from the Office of Student Pathways, a DOE division that helps schools navigate post-secondary pathways,” she said. “[The Office of Student Pathways] was seeking 750 students across Queens to participate, and our relationship with this office made us a great fit.”
The school’s College Office worked with administrators to ensure students and families could navigate the beta FAFSA with ease through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and step-by-step guides that empowered participants to use the system confidently.
“The FAFSA beta program allowed our students to complete their applications sooner than anyone in the country,” Ms. Graf said. “This early access provided families with targeted support, which was incredibly valuable. Ultimately, 174 families became eligible for aid, demonstrating the program’s significant impact.”
For students, the beta program offered both opportunities and challenges, allowing seniors to get a head start on the college application process.
Senior Tristian Vergera said he appreciated the chance to get a head start on the financial aid process. “The FAFSA beta helped me finish the form much earlier than I expected, which made the whole process feel less stressful. It was such a great opportunity to get ahead,” he said, noting how this early completion allowed him to focus on other aspects of his college applications.
Others, like senior Alex Munoz, found the program’s impact less significant. “For me, the beta didn’t make much of a difference. I already have a lot of support, and I’ve been working with someone familiar with admissions and financial aid, so I felt prepared either way,” Alex said.
For many, however, the initiative underscored the school’s leadership in shaping the college readiness experience. “Being part of the FAFSA beta gave us the chance to influence a system that could help millions of students across the country. It’s exciting to know our participation could make a difference,” said senior Emily Cantos.
While Ms. Graf expressed doubt about the program happening again, citing extensive beta testing, she emphasized the school’s commitment to identifying similar opportunities.
“We will keep an eye out for other initiatives like this one,” she said.
