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About the Webinar

The 2026–2027 FAFSA launches for all students on October 1, 2025. While the FAFSA provisions for students with experience in foster care or homelessness have been in place since the 2023–2024 award year, significant barriers remain.

A spring 2025 SchoolHouse Connection survey of over 500 respondents reported students still struggle to understand FAFSA questions and how to answer them correctly.

This webinar equips participants to:

• Identify who qualifies as a homeless youth and foster youth on the FAFSA and what documentation supports independent student status.
• Navigate the FAFSA process for unaccompanied homeless youth and foster youth.
• Implement strategies that help students complete the FAFSA and pursue postsecondary education, like Colorado State University’s Independent Student Day

Presenters:

• Jillian Sitjar – Director of Higher Education, SchoolHouse Connection
• Caleb McKay – FAFSA Completion Senior Manager, SchoolHouse Connection
• Andrea Fortney – Fostering Success Program Director, Colorado State University
• Adrina Pawlak – Single Point of Contact (SPOC), Financial Aid, Colorado State University
• Shannon Typher – Associate Director of Engagement, Admissions, Colorado State University
• Melissa Henke – Fostering Success Program Coordinator, Colorado State University
• Jennifer Pokempner – Policy Director, Youth Law Center