Jessica Sánchez says FAFSA completion is now required for New Jersey high-school graduation, urges early filing

Jessica Sánchez, who identified herself as a representative of the state organization “Giza,” told families in a Spanish-language online presentation that completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey alternate application is necessary for students aiming to graduate high school in 2025.

Sánchez said FAFSA collection of family income will determine federal and state awards and that applicants should create the required FSA ID accounts as soon as possible because the federal form opens Dec. 1 this year. “Esto es muy importante porque ahora completar FAFSA ... es un requisito para graduar de la secundaria,” she said during the presentation.

Why it matters: Sánchez emphasized that completing the FAFSA or the state alternative preserves students’ access to multiple aid sources — institutional scholarships, federal grants such as the Pell Grant, state programs like the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), and New Jersey’s College Promise initiatives. Families who miss deadlines may forfeit some grants or discounts, she said.

Key programs and numbers: Sánchez reviewed major programs she said families should consider. She cited the Pell Grant (noting a maximum award figure presented during the session), the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and the TEACH Grant for future teachers. For state aid, she described the full‑time Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and a part‑time TAG option for community‑college students. She also summarized New Jersey College Promise components: the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), which she said covers community‑college tuition for families earning under $65,000 annually, and the Garden State Guarantee, which can make third and fourth years at public four‑year New Jersey colleges free for eligible students. Sánchez named the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) as a program that includes summer bridge courses and counseling.

Application timing and steps: Sánchez urged seniors and families to note timing differences: FAFSA opens Dec. 1 this year (she said), the CSS Profile typically becomes available Oct. 1 for institutions that require it, and families should monitor the award‑letter period from February to May. She said continuing students must renew aid (she cited an April 15 renewal deadline) and that first‑year students have more time in the first year to complete some items.

Account and verification guidance: Sánchez explained that students must create an FSA ID and that many parents are required as contributors to the FAFSA (in married or joint‑filing situations one parent’s account suffices; separated parents may need both). She also walked through how undocumented parents can participate in the verification process without a Social Security number by using knowledge‑based questions or uploading identity documents, and noted that undocumented students with three or more years in a New Jersey high school should use the state’s alternate aid application.

Comparing offers and next steps: Sánchez told families to use colleges’ net‑price calculators to estimate costs, to compare the financial‑aid offer letters that she said New Jersey law requires colleges to send, and to respond to verification requests promptly. She encouraged families to consult their high school or college financial‑aid office and to attend Giza’s virtual seminars (offered in English and Spanish) for hands‑on help.

Representative quotes: Sánchez opened the session with, “Me llamo Jessica Sánchez y yo trabajo con Giza,” and later said, “Esto es muy importante porque ahora completar FAFSA ... es un requisito para graduar de la secundaria.”

What’s next: Sánchez provided links and a seminar calendar and invited attendees to email her or contact Giza’s customer‑care center for individual questions. The presentation concluded with an offer of follow‑up help.

Notes on reporting: All direct quotations and program details come from Sánchez’s presentation. Where Sánchez used an alternate spelling or pronunciation (e.g., “Fasa”), this article uses standard program names and common spellings (FAFSA, Pell Grant, Tuition Aid Grant, Community College Opportunity Grant) when referencing the federal and state programs she described.