Multiple local pilots (Breakthrough, RootEd, workforce boards) and national research told the Committee that dedicated, early and sustained advising improves FAFSA completion, credentialing and enrollment. Counseling associations asked for lower student:counselor ratios and a seat at tri‑agency tables to scale results.

Superintendent Wilson reported that Tempe Union fell slightly short of an ACT improvement goal but exceeded its chronic-absenteeism reduction (3.9 percentage points) and increased FAFSA completion rates (7.45 percentage points, 14% relative improvement). The board authorized payment for meeting goals 2 and 3 by a 4–0 vote.

In a video to the advisory board, Governor Bob Ferguson said he plans to propose legislation that would require students to complete the FAFSA or sign an opt-out form before graduation; advisory members raised concerns about mandating completion and stressed the need for supports and clear definitions of success.

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.

DEED and the Department of Labor described a Rooted Alliance‑based career guide pilot serving 197 seniors in year one; participants reported strong satisfaction and a 41% FAFSA completion rate among the cohort, above the statewide baseline presented.

Promising Futures announced it will expand a college-and-career access program piloted at Jefferson High School to all four Sioux Falls high schools, introduce a district director and add a team of advisers after a first year that boosted FAFSA completion and reached hundreds of seniors.