College Readiness/GEAR UP May 18-22

College Readiness/GEAR UP Digital Learning Activities

Grades 6-8

Title: Budget 101: The Road to College and Career
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:

View the Budget 101: The Road to College and Career Google Slide and follow the prompts.
When directed, view the Instructions: Claim Your Future to play the Claim Your Future online game.
After completing the activity, answer the discussion questions in your Road to College and Career Worksheet.

Claim Your Future GameINSTRUCTIONS:

Click https://www.claimyourfuture.com/play/, or type the weblink in your internet browser.
Under the heading ‘Play’, click the drop down menu select your state (Pennsylvania).
Click ‘Next’.
Select your current grade under ‘New Players’.
Click ‘No’ under the question ‘Are you playing this game as a classroom assignment?’.
Next, Select ‘Go right to game’ (highlighted in orange).
A pop up box will appear. It will show your GAME ID. Save this identification code. You can use it to go back in the game to play additional careers of your interest.
Review the additional game instructions.
Click ‘Play the Game’.
A career will be assigned to you automatically:
1. If you would like to choose a different career, click on the white box under ‘Choose Your Career!’ to view the list of options.
2. BONUS: Refer to your Exploring College Majors PART I & II Worksheets (Week 2 and Week 3 activities) to review your interests and the job titles of the leaders whose videos you watched for ideas of careers.
Save your budget/career results as a PDF (first option at the bottom of the end of the game) and submit to your teacher’s Google Classroom.

Resources:Budget 101: The Road to College and Career:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RR4A9kGZgcDQ269uugrQCa0J7JygMxM-_O59cDuxFfE/copy#slide=id.g76e422eb79_0_64Road to College and Career Worksheet:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jU5QVXoeQizg--IcKnsQGXV1UjGjrYKBytdzx_c2Yqc/copy Budgeting 101: Sisters and Brothers in a family go shopping with a budgethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCZigHUUnU
Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Grade 9

Title: How do I pay for college?- Financial Aid 101
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:We understand that college is very expensive, however you and your family can start planning now to pay for college. Here’s how:
Activity 1- Read below
What is Financial Aid?Financial aid helps pay for some of the cost of your College expenses such as tuition, books, and additional fees. Financial aid is awarded from several sources and can be based on financial need or other criteria, such as academic excellence (based on your grades and GPA). Some of the Financial Aid sources are:

Grants-Free government or university funds awarded based on merit or financial need. Money that does not need to be paid back, based upon financial need (SEOG: Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Pell Grant)
Scholarships-A form of financial assistance that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, hobbies, and talents.
Federal Work Study-A campus-based program, awarded by the college, in which eligible students work part-time to help fund their education. Federal Work Study Jobs are usually higher paid then off campus jobs.
Student Loans-Money that is borrowed and paid back with interest. Subsidized loans have interest, but the government pays your interest while you’re enrolled. Unsubsidized loans have interest and it accrues while you’re enrolled. Ex: Perkins Loans, Stafford, PLUS.

Activity 2-To start on the right path preparation is key! Review the Financial Aid Checklist in the link below. The checklists below offer a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the financial aid process and get the most money possible for college.
Financial Aid Checklist
Activity 3- Ready,Set, Go!Now that you know what Financial Aid is and the sources, you will complete the following activity:
Student Loan Debt Vs. Free Financial Aid Activity!
Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: How do I pay for college?- FAFSA Basics
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:FAFSA BasicsThe most important step in getting financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. The FAFSA opens October 1st of every year. You will submit your FAFSA application during the fall of your senior year.
1- Be prepared to complete the FAFSA early! During the 9th and 10th grade years of High School is when you need to start gathering information about the FAFSA application and what you need to complete the FAFSA. Click on the links below to review the checklist of items you need to complete your FAFSA and detail information on how to complete your FAFSA:
Click here for a checklist of items you need to complete your FAFSA Click here for information on how to complete your FAFSA
2-FAFSA Activity: Complete the FAFSA4Caster https://fafsa.ed.gov/spa/fafsa4c/?locale=en_US#/landing to see an estimate of how much financial aid you will receive from FAFSA.
3- FAFSA Reflection: Complete the following document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fskaYkahGyyYxx_itF3OyaxptGVMPlSD/view
Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: How do I pay for college?- Scholarships 101
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Scholarships 101
Scholarships are FREE money that you can earn towards your college expenses. Some scholarships are need-based ( for low-income/need based students) while some scholarships are merit-based (based on your grades, GPA, and/or talent). Most scholarships are for current high school seniors, however there are several scholarships you can earn as a 9th or 10th graders.
Here are some websites to search for scholarships:
Naviance
https://www.philafound.org/students/apply-for-a-scholarship/
https://scholarships.uncf.org/
https://www.unigo.com/scholarships#/fromscholarshipexperts
Bigfuture.collegeboard.org
Fastweb.com
ScholarshipAmerica.org
Finaid.org
Peerlift.org

Activity 1: Please check out this video regarding scholarships
Activity 2: Create an account on Raise.me to begin earning micro-scholarships towards college
Activity 3: Answer these reflection questions from the following document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLK47FzbPCasyl2FE-mKe5UnfZv_F0YA/view?usp=sharing

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Grade 10

Title: How do I pay for college?- Financial Aid 101
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:We understand that college is very expensive, however you and your family can start planning now to pay for college. Here’s how:
Activity 1: Read BelowWhat is Financial Aid?Financial aid helps pay for some of the cost of your College expenses such as tuition, books, and additional fees. Financial aid is awarded from several sources and can be based on financial need or other criteria, such as academic excellence(based on your grades and GPA). Some of the Financial Aid sources are;

Grants-Free government or university funds awarded based on merit or financial need. Money that does not need to be paid back, based upon financial need (SEOG: Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Pell Grant
Scholarships-A form of financial assistance that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, hobbies, and talents.
Federal Work Study-A campus-based program, awarded by the college, in which eligible students work part-time to help fund their education. Jobs are usually higher paid then off campus jobs.
Student Loans-Money that is borrowed and paid back with interest. Subsidized loans have interest but the government pays your interest while you’re enrolled. Unsubsidized loans have interest and it accrues while you’re enrolled. Ex: Perkins Loans, Stafford, PLUS.

Activity 2: To start on the right path preparation is key! Review the Financial Aid Checklist in the link below; The checklists below offer a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the financial aid process and get the most money possible for college.
Financial Aid Checklist
Activity 3: Activity-Ready,Set, Go!Now that you know what Financial Aid is and the sources- you will complete the following activity;
Student Loan Debt Vs. Free Financial Aid Activity!

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: How do I pay for college?- FAFSA Basics
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:FAFSA Basics
Activity 1: Read belowThe most important step in getting financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. The FAFSA opens October 1st of every year. You will submit your FAFSA application during the fall of your senior year.
Be prepared to complete the FAFSA early! During the 9th and 10th grade years of High School is when you need to start gathering information about the FAFSA application and what you need to complete the FAFSA. Click on the links below to review the checklist of items you need to complete your FAFSA and detail information on how to complete your FAFSA:
Click here for a checklist of items you need to complete your FAFSA
Activity 2: Watch the following videoClick here for information on how to complete your FAFSA
Activity 3: FAFSA ActivityComplete the FAFSA4Caster https://fafsa.ed.gov/spa/fafsa4c/?locale=en_US#/landing to see an estimate of how much financial aid you will receive from FAFSA.
Activity 4: FAFSA Reflection Complete the following document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fskaYkahGyyYxx_itF3OyaxptGVMPlSD/view?usp=sharing

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: How do I pay for college?- Scholarships 101
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Scholarships 101
Scholarships are FREE money that you can earn towards your college expenses. Some scholarships are need-based ( for low-income/need based students) while some scholarships are merit-based (based on your grades, GPA, and/or talent). Most scholarships are for current high school seniors, however there are several scholarships you can earn as a 9th or 10th graders.
Here are some websites to search for scholarships:
Naviance
https://www.philafound.org/students/apply-for-a-scholarship/
https://scholarships.uncf.org/
https://www.unigo.com/scholarships#/fromscholarshipexperts
Bigfuture.collegeboard.org
Fastweb.com
ScholarshipAmerica.org
Finaid.org
Peerlift.org

Activity 1: Please check out this video regarding scholarships
Activity 2: Create an account on Raise.me to begin earning micro-scholarships towards college
Activity 3: Answer these reflection questions from the following document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLK47FzbPCasyl2FE-mKe5UnfZv_F0YA/view?usp=sharing

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Grade 11

Title: Funding Your Future: Charting the Path to your Career
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Grade 11: Activity - Funding Your Future: Charting the Path to your Career
Have students log in to review the video comparing Award Letters. There is a video Transcript link detailing topics covered by the video.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER, Pt. 1Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Pt. 1 ~ Intro to Comparing Financial Aid Award Letters
The link to the interactive assignment should be used after watching the video on collegeboard. This will help students understand which financial aid award letter is most beneficial to them.
Link to interactive assignment:Pay for College | Compare Aid Calculator
Links to text:https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/comparing-financial-aid-award
Other Link:Video Transcription | How do you compare financial aid awards?

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER, Pt. 2Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Pt. 2 ~ Intro to Comparing Financial Aid Award LettersHave students log in to review the video comparing Award Letters. There is a video Transcript link detailing topics covered by video.
Link to the interactive assignment:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1moj7Xvqfuk7-0EVpaLak5AHSW8bnMWPLRLvcna_1Ec0/copy
Pay for College | Compare Aid Calculator

BONUS:THE BASICS ON GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIPSTeachers could use this list of Grants & Scholarships to teach students the importance of applying and qualifying for Grants/ScholarshipsLink to text:https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/the-basics-on-grants-and-scholarships

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: Telling Your Story: Introduction to writing an inspiring personal statement for scholarship applications
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Telling Your Story: Introduction to writing an inspiring personal statement for scholarship applications
Step 1 - Watch the "Writing a Strong College Admissions Essay" for ideas.Link: Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay
Step 2 - Complete interactive assignment on google slides detailing the Telling Your Story Activity.**Google Activity
Step 3 - Review the Khan Academy video to build a structure into your personal essay to tell your story.Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/college-admissions/applying-to-college/admissions-essays/v/writing-a-strong-college-admissions-essay
Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: Making a List: Extracurricular Clubs/Interests - How your passion can help fund your future
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Making a List: Extracurricular Clubs/Interests - How your passion can help fund your future
Student Steps:Step 1: Watch the video showing other students the benefits of getting involved while in high school.Step 2: Read about the top 5 benefits of getting involved with clubs.Link: College Planning | Extracurriculars MatterStep 3: List at least six activities available to them in school and the community.Link: 11th Grade - Extra-Curricular ActivitiesStep 4: Sort their list into activities they would like to join and those in which they already involved, and those in which they are not interested.
*Challenge yourself and choose one activity and commit to joining it.https://blog.prepscholar.com/list-of-extracurricular-activities-examples

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Grade 12

Title: Funding Your Future: Charting the Path to your Career
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Have students log in to review the video comparing Award Letters. There is a video Transcript link detailing topics covered by video.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER, Pt. 1Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Pt. 1 ~ Intro to Comparing Financial Aid Award Letters
The link to the interactive assignment should be used after watching the video on collegeboard. This will help students understand which financial aid award letter is most beneficial to them.
Link to interactive assignment:Pay for College | Compare Aid Calculator
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wl4VH5wglZ20tO6U5wuBEo6MlKKSjfVujjdLC8VRrrg/edit#slide=id.g75254711da_0_15
Links to text:https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/comparing-financial-aid-awards

Other Link:Video Transcription | How do you compare financial aid awards?

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER, Pt. 2Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Pt. 2 ~ Intro to Comparing Financial Aid Award LettersHave students log in to review the video comparing Award Letters. There is a video Transcript link detailing topics covered by video.
Link to interactive assignment:Pay for College | Compare Aid Calculator

Forbes: How to Successfully Appeal a Financial Aid Award Letter*This article explains the ins-and-outs of the college admissions award letter but more importantly how to appeal the award letter *Read the article to get an explanation of what to do and what not to do to create a successful appeal letter for financial aid for your students.
Link to text:https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertfarrington/2019/05/30/how-to-successfully-appeal-a-financial-aid-award/#6b6ce0c52e26

REVIEW OF FINANCIAL AID PACKAGEFinancial Aid Offer Analyzer - Naviance 12.12
It can be difficult to understand financial aid award letters. Using the offer analyzer helps to show students what they're actually getting out of their award.
Required ActivitiesStudents read about their financial aid offer.Students add their colleges and award information to the financial aid analyzer.Students view the analysis of their financial aid offer.Students reflect on their awards, including:The award that provided the best offerLessons learned about each award
Link to interactive assignment:https://learn.naviance.com/roster-preview/#/lessons/12/financial-aid-offer-analyzer
Link to text:Compare Your Award Lettershttps://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/compare-aid-calculator

Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Title: How to Accept/Deny Loan Information
Teacher Instructions
Student Instructions:Step 1: Read the three articles detailing when it’s most appropriate to accept or deny loans.Link: How to Accept/Deny- Choosing the Best Financial Aid to Accept- Accepting Aid- Federal Interest Rates and Fees- Learn When to Decline a Student Loan
Step 2: Complete interactive assignments.Link: 12th Grade - How to Accept/Deny Loan Information Activity
Translated InstructionsArabicChinesePortugueseRussianSpanish

Page updated

Report abuse