Ferris High School hosted a training last week to teach “Educational Access Ambassadors” how to better help families navigate federal and state applications for student aid, an often-tricky process.
Ferris College and Career Counselor Dawn Hilsendeger facilitated the training alongside Raul Sanchez with the College Success Foundation and Briget Duncan from LaunchNW.
The intent was to equip partner organizations that assist underserved families with a better understanding of what aid is available, who qualifies, and how to access it.
“We’re saying, ‘Hey, financial aid and educational access is a community effort, and it should be a priority for our whole community, not just the schools,’” Hilsendeger said.
Washington consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in financial aid completion, despite offering one of the country’s strongest aid programs. Last year, just 53% of Washington high school seniors submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Washington Application for State Financial Aid.
Increasing awareness and trusted support networks is key to improving those stats and broadening support for Spokane students and families, Hilsendeger said.
Thanks to STCU, LaunchNW, SPS FROC Center, Feast World Kitchen, Majores in Action, College Success Foundation, and the International Rescue Committee in Spokane for joining this important work alongside our district.