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Okanogan GEAR UP reports FAFSA rise to 64.7% and outlines rural outreach hurdles

Washington Completes FAFSA Campaign Advisory Board · April 21, 2026
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Summary

Casey Ball, Okanogan GEAR UP advisor, reported a FAFSA completion rate of 64.7% as of April and described services (one-on-one help, tutoring, bilingual staff) that drove gains; the district cited parent engagement, scheduling around sports, and interpreter shortages as continuing barriers.

Casey Ball, GEAR UP advisor for Okanogan High School and Middle School, briefed the advisory board on the district’s rural context and FAFSA progress. "We have a current FAFSA completion of 64.7%," Ball said, adding that GEAR UP’s return to the district and sustained outreach contributed to marked year-over-year improvement.

Ball described the district’s small class sizes (about 70 graduates on average) and local employment realities (orchard work and…

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