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December TxCAN Better FAFSA E-Blast – Training Opportunity!
January 10 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Preparing for Better FAFSA
While we await the release date of Better FAFSA this December, it is important that college access practitioners work with students and contributors to take the proactive steps of completing their FSA ID this fall. This includes assisting parents and students with creating personal email addresses. By preparing the smaller steps now, practitioners can make the most of the opportunities available during this Financial Aid Season.
We recognize that the creation of FSA IDs for parents without social security numbers represents a significant change this year. On November 2nd, The Office of Federal Student Aid held a webinar sharing details about the FSA ID creation process for parent contributors who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN). Recognizing the concerns arising from this change in the financial aid process for mixed-status families, TxCAN has collaborated with ImmSchools and NCAN to offer supplementary training and support. We ask that you please register and share the ImmSchools Webinar, so that together we can ensure that Texas college access professionals are well-equipped to assist all students this year.
Below are some resources and upcoming webinars to get you started. Also, don’t forget to bookmark the TxCAN Financial Aid Resource hub, so you can easily access financial aid training and resources at any time during the 23-24 school year.
ImmSchools Webinar!
Title: Supporting Practitioners through the new Financial Aid process for Mixed-Status families
Description: Join this engaging session where practitioners will enhance their knowledge and skills to effectively guide our immigrant communities, including mixed-status families, undocumented, and DACAmented students, through the complexities of the higher education journey. ImmSchools isexcited to be joined by, MorraLee Keller, from NCAN, who will be providing an overview of the FSA ID process. Practitioners will learn best practices and strategies to foster safe and inclusive conversations, empowering all students to excel. Gain access to a valuable toolkit and resources, including a comprehensive guidance document for practitioners to reference after the session.
Who is ImmSchools: As a non-profit organization led by immigrants, ImmSchools is committed to creating safe and inclusive school environments for undocumented and mixed-status students and families. We collaborate with districts, schools, and community leaders across NYC, NJ, and Texas, providing targeted interventions and professional development opportunities to educators, families, and students in support of the undocumented and immigrant community.
All attendees will be granted CPE credit from TxCAN for their participation in this valuable professional development opportunity.
When: Jan 10, 2024 10:00 – 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
TxCAN Blog Updates
Who Needs An FSA ID?: Demystifying FSA IDs for Students and Parents
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in securing financial assistance for higher education. One essential requirement is the Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID), which often raises questions, especially for students who are dependent. In this blog, TxCAN will clarify who needs an FSA ID, ensuring a smoother FAFSA application process.
Navigating the New FSA ID Process for Parents Without SSNs
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential step in securing financial aid for higher education. For parents without Social Security Numbers (SSNs), a new FSA ID process has been introduced for the 2024-25 FAFSA application. This blog will clarify the key aspects of this process, ensuring that you understand the steps involved and are well-prepared when the time comes to assist families in this process.
Webinars
FAFSA Walkthrough – For Students and Parents
Get an overview of the FAFSA, the application required by all colleges nationwide in order to receive federal financial aid. We’ll walk you through the new Better FAFSA available in December 2023 for 2024-25.
Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023, at 6pm CST register here
Monday, Dec 18, 2023, at 5 pm CST register here
Tuesday, January 9, 2023 at 4 pm CST register here
NCAN Webinar Series
To help you prepare, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) is hosting a number of two-hour webinars from August through December that will cover Better FAFSA-related topics, including: line-by-line review of the new FAFSA form, updates to the FSA ID process for those people without Social Security Numbers, reviewing the FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly the Student Aid Report), the status of resources and tools available from FSA and NCAN
Please note that these webinars are free for all and are open to both members and nonmembers. Each webinar will cover the same content, so you should only register for one.
Friday, January 5, 2024, at 12-2 pm CST register here.
Imm Schools – Supporting Practitioners through the new Financial Aid process for Mixed-Status families
Join this engaging session where practitioners will enhance their knowledge and skills to effectively guide our immigrant communities, including mixed-status families, undocumented, and DACAmented students, through the complexities of the higher education journey. ImmSchools is excited to be joined by, MorraLee Keller, from NCAN, who will be providing an overview of the FSA ID process. Practitioners will learn best practices and strategies to foster safe and inclusive conversations, empowering all students to excel. Gain access to a valuable toolkit and resources, including a comprehensive guidance document for practitioners to reference after the session.
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024 10:00 – 11:30 AM Central Time Register Here
The 2024-2025 FAFSA: Helping Homeless and Foster Youth
The highly anticipated 2024-2025 FAFSA is scheduled to be released by December 31, 2023. This FAFSA contains many changes as a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act, including important new policies for homeless and foster youth. Webinar participants will learn how to help homeless and foster youth fill out the new 2024-2025 FAFSA; get tips for working with financial aid offices to support homeless and foster youth; and find out about how ARP-HCY funds can be used to support postsecondary access and transition. There will be ample time for questions and answers.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 2:30 – 3:45 PM CST Register Here
FAFSA/TASFA Q&A Sessions
Join TxCAN as they bring together financial aid experts from uAspire and Texas OnCourse to answer any questions that arise from the opening of the 24-25 FAFSA & TASFA.
Thursday, February 1, 2024 9:30AM- 10:30PM CST Register Here
Thursday, February 13, 2024 2:00PM- 3:00PM CST Register Here
Scholarships
Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Equitable Foundation has established the Equitable Excellence® Scholarship Program Scholarship Program to assist high school seniors who are planning to continue their education at a two- or four-year college in the United States by Fall 2024.
The deadline to apply is December 18 Apply Here
Fidelity Scholars Program
The Fidelity Scholars Program combines a generous annual needs-based scholarship with robust wrap-around services that support students’ persistence to degree or certificate attainment.
The deadline to apply is January 11 Apply Here
The Dream.US National Scholarship
Applications are open to undocumented immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before Nov. 1, 2018. The National Scholarship Award will cover your tuition and fees at one of our Partner Colleges up to a maximum of $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
The deadline to apply is February 29. Apply Here
Social Media Graphics For You!
Thanks to our friends at Get Schooled for sharing this FSA ID graphic. Please feel free to share on your district or organization’s social media and communication channels.
“You’re required to create an FSA ID to access and complete the FASFA – so why not set it up now?! Our friends at Get Schooled will help you create the FSA ID so you’re ready when the FAFSA opens in December”