This year’s financial aid application process is causing challenges for students and families. The launch of the new FAFSA form was delayed and had many issues, especially for families of mixed-documentation status.  

We are writing to reassure applicants, families, and partners that we are doing everything we can to provide flexibility to those impacted by these challenges. Applicants and families, please know we are here for you and will work together to overcome these barriers. 

Here’s our best advice to ensure you’re eligible for WSOS: 

• Do not delay in completing the WSOS application! Our Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS) application is due April 10 at 9 p.m., and the deadline will not be extended. If needed, you can finish the FAFSA/WASFA after that deadline, but you cannot wait to submit your CTS application.  
• For Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS) applicants who submitted their application on Feb. 29, you have until April 5 to complete your FAFSA/WASFA. 
• When filling out your CTS application, provide a phone number and email address that you regularly check so we can reach out if there are any issues with your application.  
• Start and complete the FAFSA/WASFA as soon as possible.  
• After you complete your FAFSA/WASFA, take a screenshot (must include applicant name and date submitted) of the completion page and upload it to your WSOS application. This will help us verify that you have completed it, even if there are delays in processing.  
• For your FAFSA/WASFA application to be considered complete, you and your contributor(s) must each submit your respective sections.  
• If you run into issues, check out some of the following resources and/or reach out to staff at your high school or campus for support.  
  • 2024-25 FAFSA Issues and Workarounds 
  • Federal Student Aid’s Pro Tips for the 2024–25 FAFSA to support students and families. 
  • Who’s the Parent for Financial Aid Purposes English and Spanish.  
  • Financial Aid 101 Video available in English and Spanish. 
  • Financial Aid 101 Presentation available in English and Spanish. 
• If you or your family have determined that you cannot or will not complete the FAFSA this year, please contact us at info@waopportunityscholarship.org, and we can discuss options.  

To our applicants and families, don’t give up.

Your future career and access to higher education are essential.

Our team, state, employers, and schools want to see you enroll this fall, and we all want you to get access to the financial aid you deserve!

Hang in there; we are in this together.