LEAF partners with your high school to provide career, education, and financial aid advisory services that help students and families plan for the next step after graduation. Your LEAF Career and College Advisor can meet with you one-on-one at your high school, our Resource Center, or virtually. Our services are free to students and families within the schools we serve.

Hard to believe we are halfway through the first semester. As time marches on, it is imperative to stay on top of your world beyond high school. The most important things are applying to colleges or vocational schools, determining how to pay for your education, and filling out FAFSA24 when it becomes available. Remember, even if you are not going to a four-year or two-year college, many vocational schools are now accepting FAFSA forms to help determine financial assistance. That could mean your dream to be a famous chef is now within your grasp! There are many tips contained in this newsletter. But most importantly, check in with your LEAF Advisor.

Take time to plan your future…you are worth the effort.

Patricia G. Egan, CFRE MBA

LEAF Executive Director

Concerned about how to pay for your postsecondary education?

Here are some tips to make it more affordable.

Apply to a mix of public and private schools. Private schools typically have a higher "sticker price" but offer more in need-based aid and scholarships. Sometimes the private school ends up costing less. So keep your options open.

Make Your World More.

It starts with you. A desire to follow your interests. To build a life. And contribute to your world. We share your hopes and dreams.

At Ursuline College, a historically women’s college, we offer more than 20 undergraduate degree programs that prepare you, professors who guide and support you, a community that helps you claim the power of your voice, mentors who light the path to where you hope to go, and experiences that equip you to take that next big step.

The world is yours for the making. Let us be the spark.



Apply today at www.ursuline.edu/apply.  

Apply to Lakeland today!

Lakeland is now accepting applications for the fall 2024 semester. Whether you’re looking to train for a high-demand job or to earn college credit before transferring to a four-year college, Lakeland’s got you covered. To apply today, visit www.lakelandcc.edu/apply.

During the application process, students are also encouraged to complete both the Lakeland scholarship application and the FAFSA as early as possible, as aid and grant money are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For financial aid information, visit https://www.lakelandcc.edu/financialaid.

If you want to learn more about Lakeland, attend the Fall Campus Visit Day and Information Fair, Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. – noon. Take a campus tour. Learn more about student services and academic programs. Attend information sessions on funding opportunities, how to get started at Lakeland and more! Visit lakelandcc.edu/visit to register.

Focus on institutional scholarships offered by the colleges during fall of senior year. Local scholarships should be your second priority. Apply for national scholarship if you have extra time.

Awarded by colleges based on merit and/or financial need.

Typically high in dollar value and renewable for all four years.

Consideration may be based entirely on your admission application, if received by the school's scholarship eligibility deadline (which can be as early as mid-Oct).

Sometimes a separate application, essay, interview, or video submission is required.

Scholarships with a need-based component will require financial aid forms, like the FAFSA or CSS Profile.

BEST SOURCE: College Websites

This time of year can be overwhelming for high school seniors and families. Your LEAF Career & College Advisor can help take the guesswork out of the postsecondary planning process. Get connected today!

In case you missed it, here's a link to our September Senior E-Newsletter focused on postsecondary options, career exploration, and a senior year timeline for college-bound students.

Thank you to our University Partners, Ursuline College and Lakeland Community College, and to all of our 2023-24 sponsors for supporting LEAF's important work.

Lake Erie College

Kent State University-Regional Campuses

Alliance for Working Together (AWT)