The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking financial aid for college, career training, and higher education. Completing the FAFSA helps students access grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest federal student loans—making education more affordable and attainable.
As part of the FAFSA25 initiative led by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) serves as the FAFSA Regional Manager for Southwest and parts of Central Ohio. Our goal is to increase FAFSA completion rates by providing support, resources, and guidance to students, families, and school counselors.
Generally, the FAFSA window opens October 1st of each year and individuals need to renew it ANNUALLY. The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open. To apply online, visit the official FAFSA website.
How CYC Can Help
CYC is dedicated to ensuring every eligible student in our region has the tools and support they need to successfully complete the FAFSA. We offer:
✔ Step-by-Step FAFSA Guidance – Walkthroughs and best practices for students and families.
✔ School FAFSA Events & Workshops – In-person and virtual support sessions. Check with your school to see if they have a schedule of financial aid nights happening near you!
✔ One-on-One Assistance – Personalized help to navigate the application process. If you have questions as you complete the FAFSA, don’t hesitate to schedule a virtual appointment with our CYC Regional FAFSA Manager, Colleen Cheek.
✔ Multilingual Resources – FAFSA materials available in English, Spanish (Latin), French, Arabic, and Russian.
Our Coverage Area
We proudly serve students and schools across 14 counties in Southwest and Central Ohio:
📍 Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland, Warren, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, and Pickaway
📍CYC selected 10 local high schools to act as Tier One high schools for the project and they will receive more financial and hands-on support. Tier One schools include: Clermont Northeastern High School, Dater Gilbert A. High School, Hughes STEM High School, John J. Gilligan Digital Academy, Lockland High School, Norwood High School, Princeton High School, Western Hills University High School, Winton Woods High School and one additional school TBD.
Get Started Today!
Explore our FAFSA resources and expert guidance to ensure you maximize your financial aid opportunities.
CYC Links
📌 Does Your Student Have DEPENDENT or INDEPENDENT Status?
English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Russian
Knowing your student’s dependent/independent status will help you understand what adults need to be included as contributors on a student’s FAFSA. If a student is independent they will NOT need additional contributors but they WILL need to verify their independent status with the financial aid office of the college/university/trade school they decide to attend.
📌Who Are the Contributors NEEDED to Complete Your FAFSA?
English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Russian
(This helps you figure out what parent/guardian needs to be invited to complete a part of the student’s FAFSA. Being a contributor does NOT mean you are taking on financial responsibility. It only means you must be on the student’s FAFSA to allow for successful submission. Another great tool is the parent wizard tool on FAFSA’s website
📌Steps to Create an FSA ID
English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Russian
Note: Students and all contributors will need their OWN FSA ID connected to their name, birthdate, social security number, and PERSONAL email)
📌Steps to Complete the FAFSA and Checklist for Information Needed
English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Russian
📌College/University/Trade School Aid Offer Comparison
English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Russian
Do not confirm with any school UNTIL you have done a side-by-side comparison of all award/aid offers and fully understand the financial impact and investment.
Additional Helpful Links
Financial Aid Night Presentation
💡 Need Help? Contact us today at [email protected] for FAFSA assistance!
