Press Release: Camden City Announces Inaugural “FASFA Challenge”
Camden, NJ – The 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) officially opened on Friday, October 1, 2022 for students who plan to attend college. Seniors who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in higher education, persist in their college coursework and obtain a degree.
The Camden Education Fund and Mayor’s Office partnered today to call on Camden district, charter, and renaissance high schools to participate in the first citywide “FASFA Challenge.” The school with the highest completion rate by Friday, April 28 will receive a $25,000 prize. Schools can track their progress throughout the competition on the Camden FAFSA Tracker website.
“The vast majority of jobs of today and tomorrow require an education beyond a high school diploma,” said Giana Campbell, executive director of Camden Education Fund. “Every student deserves a path to a quality, affordable postsecondary education, and completing the FAFSA helps students access critical financial aid to complete their credential or degree.”
“The FAFSA Challenge serves as a powerful reminder that we can improve student outcomes and close opportunity gaps when we work together in new ways to help all students thrive,” said Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen.
WHAT: Citywide FAFSA Challenge Press Conference
WHO: Giana Campbell, Executive Director, Camden Education Fund
Victor Carstarphen, Mayor, City of Camden
Julitza Pagan, Senior, Eastside High School
Saniyah Harris, Senior, Mastery High School of Camden
Jinell Reid, Senior, Camden Academy Charter High School
Lewis Echevarria, Freshman at Rowan University & 2022 Creative Arts High School Graduate
WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: City Council Chambers
520 Market Street Camden, NJ 08102
About The Camden Education Fund:
The Camden Education Fund (CEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating progress in Camden’s public school system. CEF works with families, school partners, and community leaders to identify citywide needs in education. CEF then provides grants and develops strategic partnerships to address these citywide needs. Grantees include schools, non-profits, and universities. Learn more at https://camdenedfund.org/.
