Over 35% of the Elgin High School’s 300+ seniors came out this past Saturday to file for college financial aid in their first year participating with the Chamber's regional Financial Aid Saturday effort. Elgin's first year results are well beyond those of some more established efforts in other districts.

What has made the district so effective? First, it’s leadership from both the district and campus.

“Our superintendent, Dr. Jodi Duron, sets a clear mission: ensure students have the means, opportunity, and preparation to succeed after they leave Elgin High School,” said Stephanie Oyler, Elgin ISD’s coordinator of college/career readiness.

Second, it’s meaningful incentives for student attendance.

“With the superintendent's support, Principal Cheryl Koury and Associate Principal Rick Reyes led the charge to link attendance [at the event] to final exam exemption...a huge motivator for our seniors,” said Oyler.

Elgin ISD also offered door prizes such as a large TV, BEATS headphones and laptops. Posters were placed throughout the campus. Parents were engaged through 500+ letters, emails and social media.

Third, students are engaged in peer-to-peer marketing.

“Leading [my peers] to the event is one way I can help them complete their dreams”, said Rocio Vega, a student leader at Elgin HS.

Rocio meets with the director of college/career readiness, Mrs. Oyler, weekly to strategize on ways to boost financial aid completion. She is one of 40 Central Texas seniors participating in the 2016 FAFSA Contest, sponsored by C3 Presents and Alamo Drafthouse.

“Joining the Chamber was a game changer for our campus. Students attending post-secondary institutions is our priority. I wouldn’t be honest if I said that the friendly competition with other districts isn’t also a factor. We want to be the best,” said associate principal Reyes.

If current attendance at these events is an indicator of success, smaller districts like Elgin, Hutto and Manor ISD are doing a better job helping students get the money they need to afford college. But the proof will be in the FAFSA filing rates.

This year, nine local school districts – big and small – made a compact with Austin’s business community to boost college enrollment. Timely financial aid filing is critical to college enrollment and the Chamber regularly reports on each school’s FAFSA filing rates. See the Central Texas schools with the highest rates here.

Go here to learn more about Financial Aid Saturdays and register for an event: https://www.financialaidsaturdays.org/

Posted by Drew Scheberle, Senior Vice President of the Austin Chamber.