American Indian College Fund Publishes FAFSA Outreach Kit to Support Students and Families
Higher Pathways Partners to Disseminate in Dozens of Communities
FAFSA outreach kits are collections of ready-to-use materials designed to help Higher Pathways partners promote FAFSA completion at their schools.
Denver, Colo., October 6, 2026 — Beginning in mid-September, the American Indian College Fund (College Fund) began distributing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) outreach kits to its Higher Pathways partners. FAFSA helps students determine their eligibility for financial aid to help pay for college. Students cannot receive federal financial aid without completing FAFSA. Higher Pathways partners include high schools, tribal educational organizations, and school districts serving Native high school students. These partners provide Native students with college readiness programming, resources, and activities designed to help them prepare for and navigate their college journey. The Higher Pathways Grant provides up to 60 schools and organizations with a $5,000 award, along with culturally relevant resources and programming that support college access and success.
Completing FAFSA is a critical first step in a Native student’s college journey. Knowing the cost of attendance and available financial aid allows students and their families to make informed decisions about higher education. Yet, FAFSA completion rates among Native students are often reported at lower levels compared to other student populations. Limited data collection means these numbers may not tell the full story. Strengthening systems that identify and track Native student FAFSA submissions can help higher education institutions better understand student needs, measure participation more accurately, and develop targeted support strategies to increase FAFSA completion and college access.
The FAFSA outreach kits are collections of ready-to-use materials designed to help Higher Pathways partners promote FAFSA completion at their schools. Each kit includes two informational posters with a FAFSA overview and types of financial aid, rack cards also featuring a FAFSA overview as well as instructions for creating a FAFSA ID, FAFSA completion stickers, and College Fund swag. Partners are encouraged to use these materials during FAFSA Nights, parent meetings, and other financial aid outreach activities.
About the American Indian College Fund — The American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 37 years. The College Fund believes “Education is the answer” and provided more than $24 million in scholarships and other student support for higher education in 2025-26. Since its founding in 1989 the College Fund has provided more than $434 million in scholarships, programs, community, and tribal college support. The College Fund also supports a variety of programs at the nation’s 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located on or near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers. The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators. It earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (Guidestar), and the “Best in America Seal of Excellence” from the Independent Charities of America. The College Fund was also named as one of the nation’s top 100 charities to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit collegefund.org.
Journalists — The American Indian College Fund does not use the acronym AICF. On second reference, please use the College Fund.
Photo — FAFSA outreach kits are collections of ready-to-use materials designed to help Higher Pathways partners promote FAFSA completion at their schools.
