Early Awareness and Outreach Committee

Purpose

The purpose of the Early Awareness and Outreach Committee is to engage with financial aid administrators & associates in the state to promote early college planning initiatives at the middle school & high school levels with the knowledge that the cost of college is the greatest challenge for underrepresented and low-income populations. We also act as an early awareness and financial aid resource for MASFAA members as well as high school and college preparation counselors so that they may remain educated, engaged, and effective as professionals.

Activities

The biggest achievement in the 2025-2026 year was bringing the committee back to life since 2020. We expanded the number of committee members by having the 2025-2026 cohort of MASFAA’s Leadership Academy join the committee. The committee was co-lead by veteran committee member Erika Callahan and Leadership Academy member, Viviana Suavita. As a committee, the group decided to shift the focus from middle schoolers to early high school student so that they are, hopefully, more literate in the financial aid process and terminology.

Goals & Objectives

1. To create new and strengthen current MASFAA partnerships with community leaders, officials, and citizens who serve the communities of Massachusetts.
2. To continue and improve our efforts at collaborating with the Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Gear Up, MEFA, and the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Aid to promote early awareness of financial aid and college access.
3. To continue to develop, improve, and implement an annual Carnival of Learning event serving Middle School students in different communities around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by offering high-quality early awareness programs.
4. To increase financial aid awareness for first-generation and low-income students and families
5. To encourage MASFAA members to volunteer at the Carnival of Learning Events without an active commitment to the committee.
6. To increase the presence of MASFAA and the EA&O Committee across all of Massachusetts.
7. To improve the quality and content of our EA&O resources.

Resources

Documents

Committee Members

Jack Wang-Innovated Advisory Group

Krisbelle Freeman-Bentley University

Derek Lewis-Boston College

Krista Callinan-Massachusetts DHE

Emily DeSouza-Northeastern University

Krystal Costa-Wellesley College

Patrick McMahon-Boston College

Yailin Victoria-Endicott College

Viviana Suavita, co-chair, Bentley University

Erika Callahan, co-chair, Northern Essex Community College

Interested in being a committee member?  Fill out the volunteer form and we will be in touch!