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CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for Education in West Virginia.
The goal of the proclamation is to bypass FAFSA requirement to get students state funding for higher education. Justice says there is currently a 40% decline in applications, and that the issue is students “don’t know what to do.”
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Justice claims the Biden Administration and federal government’s recent changes to FAFSA and the problems with the new rollout are causing issues for students looking to apply.
According to the governor, there is normally an October deadline to apply for the next year’s funding so they can plan for what federal and state dollars they will receive. However, the changes meant the application wasn’t available until December, but there were several issues with the revised form. Many colleges have already delayed their FAFSA deadlines, and the errors have caused many to receive incorrect data.
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“We can’t let our kids suffer,” said West Virginia Department of Education Chancellor Sarah Tucker. “Governor, you’re strong leadership on this in allowing our students to access these funds is such a huge blessing for our students.”
Tucker said students should still work to fill out and complete their FAFSA applications because it is still required for students to get federal student aid dollars. She says those who are able to complete it and receive maximum Pell Grant dollars would be getting an important, additional $7,395 toward their college education.
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To learn more about state financial aid and applications, students and their families are encouraged to visit collegeforwv.com. The WVDE also has a financial aid hotline to assist families seeking financial aid. Those needing assistance can call 1-877-987-7664.
In addition to the website and hotline, the WVDE has completed more than 200 FAFSA workshops across the state to help students apply for financial aid.
“To the students and families, I want you to know that we have your back,” said Tucker. “And we want you to know that if you qualify for Promise and/or the higher education grant, you will get that money for this fall regardless of your FAFSA status.”
Tucker says with the governor’s proclamation, students who apply for the Promise Scholarship by Sept. 1, and qualify for it, will receive an award of up to $5,500 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
She also says any student who completed last year’s FAFSA and qualifies for the need-based higher-education grant will receive an award of up to $3,400 for the fall semester. Students who don’t have a previous FAFSA application, but are eligible for West Virginia Department of Human Services programs such as SNAP, TANIF, Medicaid, WICK, CHIP and the Child Care Subsidy Program can show their eligibility letter to their higher education institution’s financial aid office to receive the higher education grant, Tucker says. Families in need of a replacement eligibility letter can contact 877-716-1212 for assistance.
“It’s a bloomin’ dog’s mess for our kids, and everything, so call us. We’ll walk you through it. I don’t care if you have to call 15 times, we’ll walk you through it, and we’ll get it right,” Justice said.