Mineral County High School in Hawthorne has been recognized by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents as the winner of the first Nevada FAFSA Challenge. The award was presented at the board’s quarterly meeting and aims to encourage higher rates of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion among high school seniors across the state.
Mineral County High School achieved a 53.1 percentage point increase in FAFSA completion compared to last year, making it the most improved among participating schools. Principal Monica Keady accepted a recognition banner on behalf of the school, which also received a $1,000 prize for its achievement.
Byron Brooks, chair of the Board of Regents, said, “The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring Nevada students have access to the resources they need to pursue higher education. By increasing FAFSA completion, Mineral County High School has shown how schools can break down barriers to opportunity. We are proud to celebrate their achievement and the example they have set for communities across the state.”
NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair added, “Every completed FAFSA represents another student with a stronger chance to attend college. Mineral County High School’s progress demonstrates how schools can build momentum that benefits students and families alike. Recognizing their work today highlights how important FAFSA completion is to Nevada’s future.”
The school attributed its success to several initiatives focused on students’ needs. A senior seminar class combined life skills, senior projects, and planning for college or careers, making FAFSA completion central to discussions about future readiness. In addition, partnerships with GEAR UP and Great Basin College helped organize a FAFSA Night attended by all seniors and their parents.
Drew Schaar, career & technical educator in business management at Mineral County High School and one of the lead organizers of the school’s efforts, said, “We were just the avenue of opportunity. The students created the success by driving home the importance of postsecondary education in rural communities.”
The FAFSA Challenge is designed to promote awareness about financial aid opportunities and foster a college-going culture throughout Nevada. National data shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are much more likely—by 84 percent—to enroll immediately in postsecondary education than those who do not.
Representatives from NSHE and Mineral County High School are available for further discussion about the challenge and steps taken by MCHS.