High school students; completion of certain applications for student financial aid required.

This legislation mandates that Virginia high school students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application as a prerequisite for graduation. Students or their parents may opt out of this requirement by submitting a signed waiver form, ensuring that families retain the final say in the process. The bill aims to increase awareness of post-secondary financial resources and improve college accessibility for students across the Commonwealth. By streamlining the application process, the state hopes to encourage more graduates to pursue higher education or vocational training opportunities they might otherwise overlook due to perceived costs. This change will likely lead to higher utilization of available financial aid programs among local Arlington high school seniors.