SPRINGFIELD — Two initiatives led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes would ensure high school students have access to more supports when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA.

“Applying for financial aid through FAFSA can be a difficult and confusing process for students,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This initiative will give students more resources to help them in this process, ensuring they are able to submit their FAFSA and potentially receive financial support so they can pursue higher education.”

After many students struggled to complete FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, Cervantes and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission developed legislation to offer assistance for students wishing to fill out the FAFSA. First, House Bill 3096 would require high schools to designate a member of their staff to serve as a point of contact for students on matters concerning the application. This would create clarity on who young people can turn to if they have questions or need assistance with the process. 

Additionally, House Bill 3097 would require that schools provide time during the school day for students to fill out or ask questions about their financial aid applications. Each school may determine how they will provide this time, whether it is included in personal finance classes, offered in one-on-one sessions, or focused workshops, but any method would give students more time to work on these important applications and help set them up for future success.

“As a father of a student who just went through the college application process, I saw firsthand and heard from her peers how difficult this process can be, especially for working students, students whose parents or guardians have not gone to college, or who speak English as a second language,” said Cervantes. “Ensuring all students have people to answer questions about the FAFSA and assist in their application will allow more students to utilize this important resource to achieve higher education, and I am proud to support it.”

House Bills 3096 and 3097 passed the Senate Education committee on Tuesday.