I’m writing to recommend that Massachusetts make a new requirement for high school graduation — completion of the FAFSA student aid form. This simple rule would encourage and help more young people go to college.

In Massachusetts, where the demand for a college-educated workforce is soaring, it’s very sad to see thousands of high school graduates not going to college and leaving behind nearly $50 million in unused federal financial aid each year. With a straightforward rule, we could make a real difference in young peoples’ lives by requiring completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form is required to determine student eligibility for federal and state financial aid, and scholarships, too.

As the most educated state in the nation, we pride ourselves on our workforce. However, we are facing a shortage of college-educated adults now and in the future. This looming shortage means that we should act now to ensure that all students have access to higher education to enhance their own lives, as well as improving our economic competitiveness, too.

By making completion of the FAFSA form a graduation requirement, we can lower financial barriers to college and give students access to vital aid and scholarships that many don’t know about. Seniors who complete the FAFSA are much more likely to go to college, particularly those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds.

While Massachusetts has a 61% FAFSA completion rate, there are stark disparities among communities. Affluent, mostly white areas have higher completion rates (80%) and college attendance (80%). In contrast, disadvantaged communities, often with more Black and Hispanic residents, fall behind, with a 50% FAFSA completion rate and only 40% attending college.

It’s time for Massachusetts to follow the lead of states like Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois with a universal FAFSA policy to increase access to college and promote equity.

With our rapidly evolving job market, it is vital for us to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed. Requiring FAFSA completion for high school graduation is a simple but vital step toward ensuring that every student gets the chance to get a college education to help themselves, and to contribute to the prosperity of our Commonwealth. Please ask your legislators to make this happen now.

Lawrence Pareles lives in Florence.