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Alabama FAST: FAFSA Application Survival Toolkit

Two young high school graduatesAlabama FAST (FAFSA Application Survival Toolkit) provides information and resources to high school students, parents, school counselors, career coaches, and administrators across the state to help them make informed decisions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. FAFSA is used to determine financial aid award eligibility for all college students. Federal financial aid includes federally funded student loans, Pell Grants, and work-study jobs.

Alabama FAST program goals:

  • Raise awareness about the FAFSA and Alabama opt-out nonparticipation waiver process for high school seniors
  • Support school counselors, career coaches, and administrators in servicing student and family FAFSA needs
  • Empower students and families to make informed decisions about FAFSA

About Alabama FAST

A tablet with the FAFSA application on the screen.Alabama FAST was developed in 2022 in response to an Alabama State Board of Education mandate requiring all high school graduating seniors to complete a FAFSA application or a nonparticipation waiver to opt out of FAFSA. The mandate took effect during the 2021–2022 academic school year, making Alabama the fourth state with a statewide FAFSA mandate.

The United States Department of Education recommends that every student considering attending a 2- or 4-year post-secondary college, university, or eligible program complete the FAFSA process.

The following resources include a comprehensive guide, fact sheets, posters, bookmarks, and more, all designed to help guide you through the FAFSA application process.


Getting Started

Should I File for FAFSA?


FAFSA Form (2024-2025)

Download a PDF


Resources for Students and Families

No part of the following Alabama FAST publications may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any forms or means without the following statement:

This material was developed by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and is available on the ACES website at no charge. The use of this material does not imply endorsement by ACES of the sharing entity or of its products, facility, service, or enterprise.

NameReference Number
Student & Family Guide to FAFSAFCS-2639
File FAFSA or Opt Out in AlabamaFCS-2677
FAFSA Timeline & ChecklistFCS-2678
Completing FAFSAFCS-2679
Avoiding FAFSA ScamsFCS-2680

 


The following Alabama FAST materials (posters, bookmarks, social media graphics, media guide, and promotional cards) may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval system, and transmitted without an ACES statement of permission.

A diverse group of students with their teacher

Resources for Educators, Counselors,
and Career Coaches

Posters     Bookmarks

 


A black mom and son standing over a computer.

FAFSA Promotional Materials

Social Media Graphics     Media Guide     Promotional Cards

 

 


A diverse group of high school graduates.

Additional Resources

Alabama FAST Resources

 

 


Alabama FAST Corporate, Business, and Community Partners

The Alabama FAST initiative is made possible by the generous financial and programmatic support of its corporate and business donors and community partners. Alabama Cooperative Extension System acknowledges with gratitude the donors and partners who have graciously supported the 2022–2023 Alabama FAST initiative.

Special thanks to our supporting partners

Alabama FAST Partner Logos

 


Portia JohnsonExtension Specialist, Assistant Professor, Auburn University; Kassandra Ross, Clinical Instructor of Marketing, University of Alabama; Emily HinesRegional Extension Agent, Auburn University

Contributions from Jill Prince, Career Coach Mentor, Alabama Board of Education; Monica Mack, Education Specialist, Alabama Board of Education; Theresa JonesRegional Extension Agent, Auburn University; Patricia Smith, Regional Extension Agent, Auburn University; Renee VinesRegional Extension Agent, Auburn University; Cynthia WhiteRegional Extension Agent, Auburn University