Clara Baron-Hyppolite is the Executive Director of College Beyond, a nonprofit helping Louisiana students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, navigate the college application process and access the financial aid they need to succeed. We talk with Clara about the recent drop in FAFSA completion rates since the state mandate was repealed, and how that’s impacting college access for thousands of students across Louisiana. She breaks down why FAFSA is such a critical tool, the common barriers students face, and what College Beyond is doing to support them.

We also explore how structural issues like counselor shortages, food insecurity, and lack of internet access add layers of difficulty to an already stressful process. Clara shares how her team is stepping in with workshops, one-on-one coaching, micro-grants, and legislative advocacy to close the gap. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true college access means addressing more than just forms—it means showing up for students as whole people.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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