Top education officials from the Universities of Wisconsin and local school districts gathered in Eau Claire to strongly encourage high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The push aims to ensure students access available financial aid for college, addressing both individual affordability and the state's growing workforce demands.
The joint press conference, held at Eau Claire Memorial High School on September 30, 2025, featured prominent leaders who highlighted that significant amounts of federal student aid go unclaimed each year, creating a barrier to higher education for many qualified students.
Key Takeaways
- Education leaders in Wisconsin are making a coordinated effort to increase FAFSA completion rates among students planning to attend college in Fall 2026.
- Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman linked higher education access to the state's economic competitiveness, calling it a crucial part of winning the "war for talent."
- Officials emphasized that large sums of federal financial aid are left unclaimed annually because students fail to submit the free FAFSA form.
- The event involved collaboration between state university leadership and local K-12 school districts, including Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.
A United Front on College Affordability
A coalition of Wisconsin's educational leaders convened to deliver a unified message to students and families: filling out the FAFSA is a critical first step toward a college degree. The event took place at Eau Claire Memorial High School, signaling a direct appeal to students in their own environment.
The speakers represented a cross-section of the state's education system, underscoring the importance of the initiative. The goal was to reach students preparing for college enrollment in the fall of 2026, urging them not to miss the opportunity for financial assistance.
Who Was Involved
The press conference featured a notable lineup of speakers, demonstrating a collaborative approach between higher education and K-12 systems. The key participants included:
- Jay Rothman, President, Universities of Wisconsin
- Michael Carney, Interim Chancellor, UW-Eau Claire
- Mike Johnson, Superintendent, Eau Claire Area School District
- Jeff Holmes, Superintendent, Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
- Dave Oldenberg, Principal, Eau Claire Memorial High School
Their collective presence aimed to build awareness and provide a clear call to action for students across the region and the state.
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the official form that students and their families must complete to apply for federal financial aid for college or graduate school. This includes grants, work-study funds, and loans. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own financial aid programs. It is the single most important application for students seeking assistance to pay for higher education.
Connecting Education to Wisconsin's Economic Future
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman framed the FAFSA initiative as essential not only for individual students but also for the state's overall economic health. He stressed the urgent need for more college graduates to fill high-demand jobs and keep Wisconsin competitive.
"The K-12 system are preparing students to be able to go on to achieve whatever objective they may want to achieve in their lives, our universities are prepared and ready to help them. Because that's what the state needs. I mean, we are not graduating enough people to deal with the demands of employers in the state. If we can continue to build on that, and help Wisconsin win the war for talent, so Wisconsin can remain competitive in the nation, and in the world."
Rothman's comments highlight a major challenge for the state: a potential shortage of skilled workers. By encouraging FAFSA completion, leaders hope to make college more accessible, thereby increasing the number of graduates who enter the local workforce. This strategy is seen as a direct investment in Wisconsin's human capital.
The Issue of Unclaimed Financial Aid
A central theme of the press conference was the staggering amount of financial aid that goes unused each year. Officials pointed out that many students who would qualify for assistance never apply, often because they are unaware of the FAFSA or assume they are not eligible.
This oversight represents a missed opportunity for thousands of students. The leaders emphasized that the application is free and that completing it is the only way to know for sure what aid might be available.
A National Trend
According to the National College Attainment Network, high school graduates across the United States regularly leave behind billions of dollars in federal Pell Grants each year simply by not completing the FAFSA. The Pell Grant is a form of federal aid that typically does not need to be repaid, making it a crucial resource for low- and moderate-income students.
By demystifying the process and encouraging universal application, Wisconsin's education leaders hope to capture more of these available federal dollars for students in the state. This influx of aid can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education and make a college degree attainable for a broader population.
A Collaborative Push for Student Success
The event at Eau Claire Memorial High School was more than just an announcement; it was a demonstration of a partnership between the state's university system and local school districts. Superintendents from Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls voiced their commitment to supporting students through the application process.
This collaboration is vital, as high schools play a direct role in advising students on their post-graduation plans. By working together, university and K-12 leaders can create a seamless pipeline of information and support, ensuring students are well-informed about their financial aid options long before college application deadlines arrive.
The ultimate message was one of opportunity. For students, it is the opportunity to afford a college education. For Wisconsin, it is the opportunity to build a skilled and competitive workforce for the future.