Presentations & Workshops

FSA ID Workshop 

Attendees will be given information on how to obtain an FSA ID. An FSA ID is required for an individual to sign an FAFSA electronically and to electronically transfer to the FAFSA income tax information. Students should come prepared with their social security number. Students will create the FSA ID in preparation for completing their FAFSA.

College 101 Information Session

Typically, people hear “college” and assume it means living away from home to attend a 4-year university. This presentation covers detailed information about various post-secondary options and why it is important to start thinking about life after high school. Topics include but are not limited to types of colleges and how to research colleges, college match, and importance of college visits.

Managing College Costs 

The goal of this presentation is to get students thinking about their college budget. Topics include how to plan your college financing, as well as strategies for saving money without losing out on academic opportunities. Increasing a student’s financial base, scholarships, and working on campus are also discussed. 

All about Scholarships 

This introduction to the process of applying for scholarships addresses the basics of a scholarship application, along with tips on how to submit a successful application. Scholarship resources will be explored.

Headed to College

This presentation is a practical discussion regarding the transition, particularly behaviors and characteristics that will help assure it is a smooth one. The presentation covers common college resources and important logistical information, like how to accept financial aid and manage the student billing process. 

Financial Aid Process (November 28, 2023 -  6pm-7pm): 

This session outlines the general financial aid process and provides insight on how financial aid works, how to apply for it, student eligibility, and how it can be used to help pay for college. It introduces the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, along with summarizing state and federal aid programs among other topics.

Financial Aid Workshop (Rescheduled - TBD): 

During this workshop students will be able to get questions answered to complete either the Free Application forFederal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) intended for qualifying undocumented and transgender students. These are the forms used to apply for financial aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant and/or the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP). Many colleges also use these forms to consider students for institutional money. Individuals should create an FSA ID prior to the workshop to expedite the submission of the FAFSA. The FSA ID is also used to retrieve their tax and income information via the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Please note that the FSA ID is not used with the Alternative Application. Individuals should have readily available information regarding their income and asset information. FAFSA opens October 1. 

College 101 (February 29, 2024, 6pm-7pm)

Typically, people hear “college” and assume it means living away from home to attend a 4-year university. This presentation covers detailed information about various post-secondary options and why it is important to start thinking about life after high school. Topics include but are not limited to types of colleges and how to research colleges, college match, and importance of college visits.

To help prepare for college/post high school, all seniors will partake in the following events:

Post High School Planning Group Presentation Sept 13

1-1 Counselor Appointments September & October

Welcome to Parchment  Sept 19 Senior Northway

Letter of Recommendation Sept 26 Senior Northway

CFNIL Scholarship Info Dec 7 Senior Northway

Trades & Tech Programs Jan 18 Jr & Sr Northways

All About Scholarships Jan 30 Senior Northway

Managing College Costs Feb 1 Senior Northway