Heide Trask High School has been named a Financial Aid Champion by College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), an honor awarded to just 19 high schools across the state for their outstanding efforts to support students in securing financial aid for college.
This recognition celebrates the school's commitment to promoting proven best practices that help students access the financial resources they need to pursue higher education. Heide Trask High earned the designation by participating in CFNC’s Financial Aid Champion checklist program, which includes a series of events and strategies aimed at boosting FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rates.
On average, schools that earned the Champion title saw a 6.8% increase in FAFSA completions compared to the 2023-24 school year. The improvement was even more significant — a 21.4% increase — compared to the previous year, when national FAFSA completion rates dropped due to challenges with the rollout of the redesigned form.
“These schools have demonstrated that a commitment to financial aid best practices can make a difference for our students and their dreams for their futures,” said Mary Shuping, Executive Director of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, the state agency that sponsors CFNC. “We commend them for their hard work this year and every year."
As part of the recognition, Heide Trask High School will receive special materials to support future financial aid events, including branded T-shirts, pins, posters, and a digital badge. The school will also be highlighted on the CFNC website as a model for others across North Carolina.
Pender County Schools congratulates the staff and counselors at Heide Trask High School for their commitment to helping students and families plan for a successful future beyond high school.