HI SCR134

Request the Department of Education to establish a working group to develop a plan making Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion a statewide high school graduation requirement beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Include a waiver option in the plan that requires students to acknowledge the purpose of and opportunities provided through FAFSA completion.

Working group comprises 15 members including legislative education committee chairs, the Superintendent of Education, Board of Education chair, University of Hawaii president, school administrators, counselors, and representatives from nonprofit, college counseling, philanthropic, and business sectors.

Working group must consider resources needed, waiver simplicity, regional pilot programs, college application support strategies, privacy protections for undocumented immigrant families, and hardship waiver procedures.

Submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature, Superintendent of Education, and complex area superintendents no later than 20 days before the 2021 Regular Session convenes.