SPRINGFIELD—Thanks to two new laws led in the state legislature by State Senator Javier Cervantes, high school students may soon have access to more supports from their high schools when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA.

“The form is intended to give more students a chance of pursuing higher education,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We should be doing everything we can to make sure it is as accessible as possible for people to complete, and this measure is a simple step to make completing it easier.”

House Bill 3096 requires high schools to designate a member of their staff to serve as a point of contact for students on matters concerning the application. This creates clarity on who young people can turn to if they have questions or need assistance with the process. 

Additionally, House Bill 3097 requires 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.

“Offering time during the school day for students to fill out their applications will allow so many more students to pursue higher education,” said Cervantes. “I am glad that these measures have been signed into law, so more students will be able to complete their applications and fully take advantage of this opportunity for financial aid.”

House Bills 3096 and 3097 were signed into law on Monday, June 30. They are effective immediately.