New California legislature passed in June 2021 now requires all high school seniors to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2022-2023 school year.

After a National College Attainment Network study found that $3.75 billion of Pell Grant money went unused by students, states began to enforce a mandatory law to ensure the money was utilized by college-bound students.

“Only 54 percent of graduating seniors completed the FAFSA, down from 61 percent in 2017,” says writer for College Confidential Joy Bullen. “Between this and an increase in the amount of money that could be awarded via a Pell Grant, the amount of unclaimed Pell Grant money increased 60 percent in just six years.”

Seniors will attend a live webinar with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) during school on Oct. 12 to start the application.

“So many students’ response for why they don’t want to go to college is because they said that they couldn’t afford it,” said senior teacher advisor Crystal Hinman. “[The mandate] gives all students the opportunity to fill it out correctly and see the support and help they are entitled to.”

This mandate opens doors to new opportunities such as financial workshops and informational seminars that allow high school students the ability to learn about resources, scholarships, and more options for students’ futures.