RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A new tool designed to help Virginians complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was launched on Monday. The Financial Aid Help Desk, launched by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) on Monday, April 14, is a free tool meant to help students and families navigate the FAFSA application process. As of March 28, less than half of Virginia's high school seniors (42.7%) have completed a FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year, according to the National College Attainment Network's (NCAN) FAFSA Tracker. Historically, this number is about 58%. "The service is available at no cost to Virginia students and is part of SCHEV's efforts to ensure that no student leaves financial aid funding on the table," the council said in a press release. Kitten, puppy foods sold in Virginia recalled for Salmonella, Listeria after pet gets sick By completing a FAFSA application, students open the door to a variety of grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid -- all of which can make it easier to access college. "We want to remove barriers that keep students from pursuing their academic dreams," said SCHEV director Scott Fleming in the press release. "The Financial Aid Help Desk is an innovative resource that will help students and their families navigate the financial aid process and secure available funding." To access this new Help Desk, text "uAspire" to 434-478-4003. You will then be able to ask a financial aid expert any questions you have about the financial aid process and they will respond within 24 business hours. The Financial Aid Help Desk is part of SCHEV's "Level Up" initiative, which aims to increase college readiness, enrollment and completion for all Virginia students. ...read more read less