HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has partnered with national nonprofit uAspire to launch a free statewide helpdesk to assist students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This initiative aims to simplify the financial aid process for postsecondary students and their families.
“The best way to ensure access to affordable postsecondary education is by filling out the FAFSA, and this new helpdesk will make the process easier for all applicants,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Over the summer months, students can’t just stop by a school counselor’s office after school to ask questions about the FAFSA – that’s where this helpdesk comes in. Pennsylvania is proud to offer this free service to current and prospective postsecondary students and their families so they can receive the support they need at a time and place that’s convenient for them.”
FAFSA completion rates have dropped nationwide due to delays in the application release and subsequent processing errors. This decline underscores the urgency for Pennsylvania to support its postsecondary students. PDE has collaborated with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, higher education institutions, and high school administrators to boost assistance for students struggling with the FAFSA. The new helpdesk ensures that students have the necessary support, especially during the summer when school resources are less accessible.
This summer, Pennsylvania students, families, and aspiring postsecondary learners can text 313-PA-FAFSA (313-723-2372) to receive personalized support through scheduled phone calls or virtual advising sessions. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Beyond the helpdesk, the partnership will offer free professional development for postsecondary practitioners on all aspects of FAFSA completion, including corrections and verification, as well as financial aid offer reviews.
FAFSA is essential for accessing federal, state, and most institutional financial aid in Pennsylvania, including student loans for all income levels. The form allows students to request federal grants, work-study funds, and loans in one application. It is also required for Pennsylvania state grants from PHEAA. This year, students can access up to $7,395 in Pell grants by filling out the form. Toolkits and resources are available online for counselors, students, parents, and college access practitioners.
For more than 35 years, uAspire has assisted students and their families in completing the FAFSA. Last year, uAspire provided over 1.5 million students across 34 states with financial aid advising and offered training and technical assistance to practitioners. This partnership was made possible by an award from the FAFSA Student Support Strategy program, administered by Educational Credit Management Corporation in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education.
This initiative marks a significant step in making higher education more accessible and affordable for students across Pennsylvania.
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