PA College Application Campaign Underway (October 22, 2020)

From October 19-30, 2020, the Commonwealth will recognize the Pennsylvania College Application Campaign. The annual campaign seeks to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families choosing to pursue a college degree or other higher education credential, by encouraging all students to create a postsecondary plan.

The campaign is timed to align to the availability of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the single form for students to apply for federal financial assistance for college. 

In addition to helping students graduate college, career and community ready, in 2018, the Commonwealth established a postsecondary attainment goal that aims to have 60 percent of Pennsylvanians ages 25-64 earning a postsecondary degree or industry recognized credential, with a focus on closing attainments gaps for historically underrepresented populations.

A postsecondary credential has never been more important, as federal labor statistics show that Americans who complete at least some college coursework are more likely to be employed and earn more than those with only a high school diploma.

In prior years, Pennsylvania has celebrated the campaign with school visits and college fairs. This year as a result of COVID-19, the 2020 campaign will be focused on social media using #IApplied.