FAFSA: Developing Talent with Untapped Resources

By: Bob Savage, Savage Consulting 

This Friday, business members and educators will get together and learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among our students and what impact that has on our community. As we gear up to learn and get ready to host Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, there are a few things about FAFSA you should know:

• Very meaningful money in scholarships and federal aid is available every year that is untaken – especially in our community. For those who qualify for need-based aid, two-year colleges, e.g., Owens Community College, will be largely free. Even for four-year colleges, University of Toledo, Lourdes, BGSU – the subsequent aid available will make tuition very affordable and even provide much more aid and scholarships for room and board. 
• FAFSA, which you can read more about at studentaid.gov, is the key to your opportunity to receive significant money – need and merit-based money – for colleges and universities in the surrounding area. Many colleges have priority FAFSA deadlines that are aligned with scholarship deadlines that can provide grants well above Federal or State aid given (UT’s is Feb. 1). 
• This aid is not just for high school seniors, it is also available to all adults who qualify and want to further their education or career. Aid via FAFSA also applies to numerous certificate career tech programs, from automotive tech and nursing to cosmetology and many more.
  

​How much aid is available is not well understood. Many of our high school students will be first-generation college students; the forms and what is available has changed. If you have not gone through the process in the last couple of years, part of it is new. If you have a student, see their senior guidance counselor. If you are looking for adult education, see your local college or university. A great place to start is this FAFSA Overview Video.
 
Make sure your children and all of your fellow employees are taking advantage of these opportunities. Register today to hear from Chancellor Gardner and join us to learn more.