NSHE Board of Regents Honors Mineral County High School as Winner of Inaugural Nevada FAFSA Challenge

September 12, 2025

Las Vegas, NV

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents formally recognized Mineral County High School (MCHS) as the winner of the inaugural Nevada FAFSA Challenge during its quarterly meeting. The statewide initiative encourages schools to boost Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among Nevada high school seniors.

MCHS, located in the rural community of Hawthorne, achieved the most improvement in FAFSA completion rates among participating schools, with a 53.1 percentage point increase over the prior year. Principal Monica Keady accepted a recognition banner on behalf of the school. As the winning school, MCHS also receives a $1,000 prize.

“The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring Nevada students have access to the resources they need to pursue higher education,” said Byron Brooks, chair of the Board of Regents. “By increasing FAFSA completion, Mineral County High School has shown how schools can break down barriers to opportunity. We are proud to celebrate their achievement and the example they have set for communities across the state.”

“Every completed FAFSA represents another student with a stronger chance to attend college,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “Mineral County High School’s progress demonstrates how schools can build momentum that benefits students and families alike. Recognizing their work today highlights how important FAFSA completion is to Nevada’s future.”

MCHS credits its success to a student-centered approach. The school created a senior seminar class that integrates life skills, senior projects, and college and career planning, placing FAFSA completion at the heart of future-readiness conversations. The school also partnered with GEAR UP and Great Basin College to host a FAFSA Night, where every senior attended with a parent.

“We were just the avenue of opportunity,” said Drew Schaar, career & technical educator in business management at Mineral County High School and one of the lead organizers of the school’s FAFSA Challenge efforts. “The students created the success by driving home the importance of postsecondary education in rural communities.”

The FAFSA Challenge was developed to increase awareness of financial aid opportunities and promote a college-going culture across Nevada. According to national data, high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84 percent more likely to immediately enroll in postsecondary education than those who do not.

Media Availability

Representatives from NSHE and Mineral County High School are available to discuss the FAFSA Challenge, the importance of FAFSA completion, and the steps MCHS took to achieve this success.

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.

About NSHE

The Nevada System of Higher Education, comprised of two doctoral-granting research universities, a state university, four comprehensive community colleges, and one environmental research institute, serves the educational and job training needs of Nevada. NSHE provides educational opportunities to more than 100,000 students and is governed by the Nevada Board of Regents. The System includes the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada State University, Desert Research Institute, the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada College.