Ready Set FAFSA!
A series of virtual college and financial aid events - free to students and families.
Are you or someone you know applying to college this year? We can help!
Join us this February for a series of financial aid webinars created specifically for students and families to help them prepare for the college-going process.
All sessions will be on Tuesday evenings and approximately one hour long with a short presentation from financial aid experts.
Interpreters will be available in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
Participant questions will be answered live in the chat.
Students who attend these sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 scholarship!
Educators: Please share these sessions with your networks by using our promotional toolkit, which includes social media posts in multiple languages, email templates, and more.
Dhammaan kulamada waxay yeelaneysaa fasiraada Isbaanishka, Soomaali iyo Hamong. Ardayda ka qeayb gala mid ka mid ah kulamadaanfadhiyada waxaa la gelinayaa baqtiyaa nasiib deeq waxbarasho oo gaareyso doonaa $500 sawir sawir. Halkan iska diiwaan geli.
Txhua qhov kev sib tham yuav muaj kev txhais ua Lus Xab Pees Niv, Lus Somali thiab Lus Hmoob. Cov tub ntxhais kawm uas tuaj koom ib qho ntawm cov kev sib tham yuav laib tso npe rau hauv kev rho npe txais ib qho scholarship $500. Sau npe ntawm no.
Todas las sesiones contarán con servicios de interpretación en español, somalí y hmong. Los estudiantes que asistan a cualquiera de las sesiones entrarán en el sorteo de una beca de USD 500. Registrarse aquí.
February 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Suggested audience: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)
Paying for college should not be a barrier for anyone. This session will help you learn about the many ways to pay for college including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. We will answer these questions and more: Which funds are free to eligible students, which funds must be paid back, and which funds require a little work to receive but are still free? We will introduce the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the MN Dream Act application, including who should complete which form, and help define which parent information is needed for this process. We will also tell you about the things you need to have ready in order to complete and submit your application.
Recording | Presentation | Resources & Links | Session Q & A
In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications! Choose one of these sessions.
February 14, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (FAFSA)
Suggested audience: 12th grade students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens - and their parent(s)/guardian(s)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most commonly used form to apply for financial aid. We will provide insight on specific sections of your application, tips to avoid common errors and more. Financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions in the Q & A during the session.
Recording | Presentation | Resources & Links | Session Q & A
February 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. (MN Dream Act)
Suggested audience: 12th grade who are undocumented - and their parent(s)/guardian(s)
Students who are undocumented may still be eligible to receive state financial aid and in-state resident tuition by submitting the Minnesota Dream Act application, which is similar to the FAFSA and requires most of the same information. This session will be presented in Spanish with an English interpreter.
February 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Suggested audience: 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)
Understanding your financial aid award letter can be complicated, especially if you applied to more than one college. This session will help you understand how to read and compare them.
Recording | Presentation | Resources & Links | Session Q & A
February 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Suggested audience: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)
Want to know more about earning free money for college? Learn how to search and apply for scholarships to help you pay for your education after high school. We will highlight specific scholarships, provide tools to keep you organized, and tips to make your application stand out!
Recording | Presentation | Resources & Links | Session Q & A
A huge thank you to the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Group, the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MAFAA) who helped make these events possible.