This bill proposes the establishment of a Financial Aid Awareness Program within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to recognize schools that provide activities and support for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The program will begin in the 2027-2028 school year, allowing any school in Arizona to participate by notifying ADE and meeting specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include designating a point of contact for FAFSA, reporting this information to ADE and the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), and developing a FAFSA awareness strategy aligned with state education plans.

Additionally, the bill mandates that participating schools provide information about FAFSA to students and their parents through various communication channels, including social media and school websites. The ADE will be responsible for annually assessing whether schools meet the program's eligibility criteria and may require documentation to verify compliance. Schools that successfully participate can include the program designation in their report cards and promotional materials. The bill also defines key terms such as "school" and "FAFSA" to clarify the scope of the program.

Statutes affected:
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-249.20