Seniors and Families, November 6th , 2023

Mark your calendars! FAFSA night is January 4th, 2024.

With the release of the updated FAFSA scheduled for mid to late December we have scheduled FAFSA night for 1/4/24.

What: Come to AHS and complete the FAFSA as well as learn about what happens with the financial aid process after you submit.

When: Thursday, January 4th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

You do not have to stay the entire time! Plan to arrive at 5:30 but you can depart once you've copmleted the FAFSA.

Where: Animas High School

Food Provided!!

Need to bring younger family members? No problem!! We will feed them & provide childcare during the event. Please let Erin CR know so we know how many to plan for.

**Parents and Caregivers: we understand that not everyone has a job that allows you to attend evening events. We are hoping that with so much advance notice you can request this time off to attend. If you are unable to attend, we will ensure that we schedule time with you to provide assistance with submitting the FAFSA.**

While the FAFSA form is not available yet, we will begin the process by having seniors will apply for their FSAIDs on 11/15 during Advisory.

Bring your Social Security Number!

Scholarships

If this isn't something you are already engaged in, this week I will be providing instruction for Seniors on how to apply for scholarships. Students should be on the lookout for scholarships and actively applying NOW!

There are MANY resources for scholarships. Start with these lists:

State and Local Scholarships

National Scholarships

Also check out web search engines and apps:

• Scholarship Owl
• Bold.org
• Cappex Scholarship List
• College Board
• Going Merry
• Fastweb
• IEFA International Scholarship Search Tool
• Peterson's
• Raise.Me (More like a scholarship predictor/estimator for specific schools)
• Scholarships.com
• TFS Scholarships
• Unigo

Applying to College: Deadlines

Early Decision (binding commitment if admitted): Nov. 1st & 15th

Early Action (NOT committed if admitted): Nov. 1st & 15th

Regular Decision: For most schools it is January 1st.

Schools with regular decision deadlines that are earlier than Jan 1:

-University of Washington 11/15

-University of California system and most CA schools: 11/30

Rolling Admission: There is not an official application deadline - you can apply just about any time up to approximately 1 week prior to the start of classes for the term. Community colleges have a rolling deadline. Examples of these schools are: PCC, San Juan College, or any other Community college such as Colorado Mountain College.

**Remember, it is a graduation requirement that each senior apply to at least one college. Everyone should aim to have all of their college applications subitted prior to winter break. This will allow time to shift our focus to completing the FAFSA and applying for scholarships***

Upcoming College and Career Events

11/16: PCC offsite course registration @ 2:30-4:00

11/28: New FLC Dual enrollment advising/registration @ 12:00pm

College & Career Events Calendar

Dual/Concurrent Enrollment

Interested in taking college classes away from AHS campus next semester at PCC or FLC for college and AHS elective credit? Please take a look at this email to find out how to make it happen!

Financial Aid

From our member schools

We've collected upcoming events from our Coalition member schools are hosting with the goal of explaining the financial aid process and answering students' and student supporters' questions. All are welcome at the following events (click the event to register):

• Nov. 16: Stony Brook University | Financial Aid Basics

FAFSA

FAFSA Completion is now a Graduation Requirement at AHS

It is time for Seniors to begin the FAFSA process! While the FAFSA form is not available yet, we can begin the process by having students and parents apply for their FSAID. Seniors will apply for their FSAIDs on 11/15 during Advisory.

Bring your Social Security Number!

Q: What is the FSAID?

A: It is the username and password that is unique to the student and the parent that is used to access and electronically sign the FAFSA.

Students will be applying for their FSAID at school in the coming weeks and will then be able to assist parents in applying for theirs at home.

Q: What if I don't live with my biological parents?

A: Come chat with me about whether or not the Caregiver you live with should get an FSAID or if you will be considered an independent student for financial aid purposes.

Resources:

Check out this How to apply to College at AHS slides presentation

November resources for 12th graders-

• UC and CSU applications are due at the end of the month, so make sure you don’t miss the deadlines for these California universities.
• Supplemental essay responses: This is your go-to guide when applying to colleges that require more than a personal statement.
• Check your applicant portals and emails: Portals are the place where colleges keep applicant information and where you can update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the final admission decision. If you miss a request for more information or a document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so make it a habit to check regularly.
• The Great College Essay Test: Assess how ready your essays are to submit.
• 
  

The Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network is dedicated to working with high schools and access organizations to widen pathways to higher education for rural and small-town students.

Upcoming events (click to register):

Are you interested in construction, education, early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, or nursing?

• The Career Advance Colorado program provides free training for in-demand jobs through

the state’s 19 community and technical colleges.

• Starting in August 2023, students who enroll in qualifying programs will have tuition, fees,

course materials, and other costs completely covered while program funding is available.

• Students must apply for federal and/or state financial aid to enroll in a Career Advance

Colorado program.

Article: Pueblo Community College offers tuition-free options for high demand jobs

Are you interested? Meet with Erin CR to discuss next steps!

Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in one of the following healthcare certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and course materials covered as Care Forward Colorado funding allows.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Pharmacy Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Dental Assistant
• Nurse Refresher
• Integrative Health Practitioner & Massage Therapy
• Sterile Processing
• Paramedic Certificate
• Echocardiography Certificate
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Office Certificate

Are you interested? Meet with Erin CR to discuss next steps!

ore InfSunday, November 12, 2023, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2023 Virtual College Fair -NovemberM

INTERNSHIP/EMPLOYMENT & other OPPORTUNITIES:

LINK & LINK 2.0

Thinking about a different elective other than what is offered at AHS for next semester? What about a LINK 2.0???

LINK 2.0 is a great way to continue with an internship you had and loved, or start something new. Students who complete 60 hours of internship with a qualified mentor will be awarded .5 elective credit (one semester's worth). This is a great way to continue to build your resume and demonstrate rigor as a senior!

Please reach out to Elliot if you have LINK questions or to make arrangements for a LINK 2.0. His email is: [email protected]

Erin Cummins-Roper (she/her)

Director of Career & College Counseling  

Animas High School |Tel: (970) 247-2474 | x2335 | Cell: 970-903-1617

www.animashighschool.com 

Schedule an appointment with me!

Office hours:

T/TH 1:00pm-3:00pm

Fridays: 9:00am-12:00pm

Financial aid and scholarship help every Friday 12:00pm-3:00pm