October 2023 Newsletter

Cleveland Goes to College Fair


The 2023 Cleveland Goes to College Fair, hosted by the Higher Education Compact, College Now, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Say Yes Cleveland on September 26, was a huge success! More than 90 colleges and universities attended, helping local high school juniors and seniors explore higher education options. The event was even featured on WKYC Channel 3, addressing declining college enrollment. More than 1,200 CMSD students participated during the school day, gaining insights into college opportunities and attainability. It was a remarkable day for our community's educational aspirations.


Watch WKYC Feature

$5,000 Challenge Grant Success

A special thanks to all who contributed to our $5,000 “back to school” challenge last month. We're excited to announce that we exceeded our goal by an impressive 32%! Our community of donors – including mentors, alumni and supporters – understands the financial obstacles that students face in pursuing postsecondary education. Together, you rallied to contribute a remarkable $6,600 to support our mission for a total impact of $11,600 raised. 


While the challenge match has concluded, your philanthropic contributions are always welcome and deeply appreciated. If you'd like to continue making a difference, we encourage you to donate today. Your support means the world to us! 


Give Today!



Financial Update for Postsecondary Education

Changes to FAFSA Launching in December


To apply for postsecondary education federal student financial aid, including federal grants, work-study funds and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school. 

 

In addition, many states and colleges/universities use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. 


This year, the FAFSA is scheduled to open in December with significant changes, making it more user-friendly. We encourage you to spread the word and review these details to learn more.



Learn More

Federal Student Loan Repayments have Resumed


The COVID-19 pandemic's three-year suspension of student loan payments has concluded, and borrowers now need to manage their student debt once again. While new programs offer some relief, the complexity of student loans can still be daunting. College Now is here to help. David Burke, manager of adult programs, recently shared insights with cleveland.com on how College Now can guide you through this journey. 


College Now's Adult Programs team is ready to provide you with expert guidance and invaluable tips. For personalized advice, watch our tips online, give us a call at 216-635-0151 or complete our online form.


We understand the challenges of student loan management and are committed to guilding you every step of the way.


Learn More

Mentoring Program

Building Bridges: Unlikely STEM Duo Thrives in College Now Mentoring Program


Aminah and her mentor, Jill, initially appear to have little in common, with Aminah studying biology and chemistry at Macalester College, and Jill having an industrial engineering background as the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Dealer Tire. However, their connection, fostered through the College Now Mentoring Program, has proven to be mutually beneficial.


Despite their differing backgrounds and career paths, Aminah and Jill have found common ground, with Jill's guidance helping Aminah navigate the peaks and valleys of her college experience. 



Read More

Needed: Male-Identifying Mentors 


 

Our mentoring department has an urgent need for male-identifying mentors. Mentors should possess a two- or four-year degree, pass a third-party background check and complete a streamlined screening and training process designed specifically for male volunteers entering the program. 


Your support means the world to us as we strive to provide the necessary assistance to our students. Thank you for helping us recruit the volunteers needed to empower and uplift our community! 


Apply to Mentor

College Now in the Community

Dr. Michele Scott Taylor Inspires Civic Engagement at Propel Ohio Student Conference 

Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, chief program officer at College Now, was a distinguished panelist during the "Engaging Students in Democracy" panel discussion at Propel Ohio on October 6 at Case Western Reserve University. Propel Ohio is a collaborative statewide student conference, designed to promote civic engagement and nurture student leadership. This day-long event brought together promising student leaders from various institutions in Ohio, including colleges, universities and career and technical schools. Attendees accessed valuable resources, expanded their networks, discussed civic engagement and gained insights from prominent Ohio and national leaders. 



Empowering Our Top Scholars: Forbes Under 30 Summit Volunteers 


On October 11, College Now had the privilege of welcoming a group of dedicated volunteers from the Forbes Under 30 Summit! These volunteers worked alongside our Cleveland Foundation College Now Top Scholars in a LinkedIn design session, helping them craft their professional online presence.  


During these sessions, students had the opportunity to create or refine their LinkedIn profiles, showcasing their skills, talents and aspirations. It was an invaluable experience that empowered these young minds to step confidently into the professional world.  


View on Facebook

National GEAR UP Week


During National GEAR UP Week, held September 25 to 29, College Now proudly highlighted our students' journeys to postsecondary education. College Now administers the federally funded GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) programming in the following school districts: Bedford, Clearview, Cleveland Heights-University Heights and Mansfield. Each district celebrated this event in school and on our social media platforms. 


GEAR UP’s mission includes increasing students' awareness of college requirements, offering financial aid and admissions information and fostering critical skills for educational success. National GEAR UP Week emphasizes the program's positive impact both locally and nationally. 



View on Facebook

Contact Us

Post Office Plaza

1500 West 3rd Street, Suite 125

Cleveland, OH 44113

216.241.5587

collegenowgc.org

Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  YouTube  TikTok