High School Seniors, remember this as you plan the rest of your life

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There are two dates that Latino high school seniors should mark on their calendars. One is the entire month on March, because that’s when most colleges and universities send their final acceptance letters for the class of 2016. The other is June 30, the deadline for applying for federal student financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.

It’s the biggest step that Latino high school seniors will take this year, and according to the most recent studies more and more Latinos are stepping up to higher education: the Pew Research Center says that seven-in-ten (69 percent) high school senior Latinos enroll in college after graduating high school. that’s an enormous increase from the year 2000 when only 49 percent of Latino senior went on to higher education.

There is another thing, though, that seniors need to keep in mind. There’s a law that says that all males between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with the U.S. Selective Service.  It affects their plans for college because if the don’t register they won’t be eligible for federal student aid. And once they graduate from college, if they plan to look for work with the federal government, they won’t be eligible for that either, just because they didn’t register with the Selective Service.

It’s that important.

So if you’re graduating from high school this year, and if you’re waiting to hear from the college or university where you applied remember this, register with the U.S. Selective Service. And if you know a high school senior male, remind him to register – they must do it when they turn 18 and have until their 26th birthday to complete the registration. It’s as important for their future as everything else they’ll do this year in preparation for the rest of their lives.

To register, or for more information go to www.sss.gov