Rochester students receive new opportunities to achieve the dream of a college education through FAFSA Fest events and community partnerships

Rochester, New York – For high school seniors across Rochester, the path to higher education can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Between college applications, scholarship searches, and financial planning, the process can often appear like a maze. This fall, however, local students and their families are getting extra support to help them navigate that journey.

The Rochester City School District (RCSD) has teamed up with the Rochester Education Foundation (REF), the Rochester College Access Network (RCAN), and the City of Rochester to launch a series of FAFSA Fest events. These sessions are designed to provide one-on-one help with two of the most important forms for college-bound students: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Completing these forms is the first step toward unlocking grants, scholarships, and federal aid that can make college financially possible for many families.

“I would like to encourage all students, especially the senior class, to complete their FAFSA applications,” said Elijah Espada, President of Student Leadership Congress, the student representative to the Board of Education, and a senior at Edison Career and Technology High School. “There is money for us to go to college, and you must complete the FAFSA to get assistance and financial aid.”

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For many young people in Rochester, Espada’s words carry weight. The cost of higher education can be intimidating, and without the proper guidance, some students risk missing out on resources that could make their college dream a reality. That is where FAFSA Fest steps in—not only offering technical assistance with filling out forms, but also sending a message of encouragement and possibility.

REF and RCAN are also extending their work beyond FAFSA support, helping students explore scholarship options and learn about pathways to college success. “Going to college is truly a life-changing experience, and with that experience comes some nervousness, trepidation, excitement, and even worry,” said Marlene Blocker, Chief of Innovation and School Reform for the RCSD. “These FAFSA fests are an opportunity for so many different people within the community to come together, lift our kids, and support them.”

To prepare for the events, students and parents are encouraged to create an FSA ID in advance. The process is quick and can be completed in minutes, but it is a crucial step because it allows families to electronically sign and submit the FAFSA form. Teams from REF and RCAN have already been visiting schools throughout the district, guiding students through the setup process and answering initial questions before the larger events begin.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans also highlighted the importance of making the financial aid process approachable. “Although it might seem overwhelming, or something difficult to do, with a little help from your friends, it is made a lot easier,” said Evans. “That is why I am so grateful for the leadership of REF, the RCAN network, and everybody working together to make sure that we make this manageable, accessible, and easier for families.”

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The first round of FAFSA Fest events is already on the calendar. On Thursday, October 2, students at Joseph C. Wilson High School Commencement Academy will have the chance to receive hands-on help beginning at 8 a.m. The initiative will then expand to the broader community with a citywide FAFSA Fest at the Central Library on Saturday, October 18, starting at 10:30 a.m. More dates are expected to be announced in the weeks ahead as schools and local organizations work to reach as many students as possible.

For Rochester families, these gatherings are more than paperwork sessions. They represent a shared effort—schools, nonprofits, city leaders, and parents all joining forces to support the next generation. By simplifying the steps toward financial aid and encouraging students to take action now, the community is helping ensure that the dream of a college education is within reach for all who aspire to it.