Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Lead The Way hosted its first FAFSA Workshop: Understanding Financial Aid and the FAFSA, with newly acquired InspirEducation. Held at the Lead The Way main office, the workshop provided seniors and their families with critical guidance on navigating financial aid for college and trade school.
Breaking Down Financial Aid
The information-packed evening tackled all aspects of financial aid and the FAFSA application. Students and parents learned:
What financial aid is and how it can help cover college and trade school costs.
The key differences between loans, scholarships, grants, and awards—explaining "free money" versus "borrowed money."
The real-world implications of loans, such as whose credit is impacted in the case of default and the differences between subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
Complex topics were broken down into clear, easy-to-understand terms, ensuring attendees felt confident and well-informed.
FAFSA Application Made Simple
The second half of the workshop focused on the FAFSA application itself. Presenters Dylan and Lydia from InspirEducation provided valuable insights, including:
Who needs to apply for FAFSA and when to submit it.
How specific circumstances (e.g., family income or guardianship) can impact the application process.
The importance of submitting a FAFSA application every year to remain eligible for aid.
Dylan and Lydia also created space to answer questions throughout the session and stayed afterward to provide one-on-one support for families with personal concerns.
Equipping Families for Success
The workshop successfully demystified financial aid and gave students and parents the tools to approach the FAFSA application with confidence. One parent shared, “I’ve always heard FAFSA was confusing, but tonight made it so much clearer. I feel ready to help my child through the process.”
By the end of the evening, families left feeling better equipped to plan for their students' educational futures, understanding the opportunities financial aid can provide.
Looking Ahead
This workshop marks the beginning of Lead The Way’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to the information and resources needed to pursue higher education and training opportunities. We extend our thanks to InspirEducation for delivering such an impactful and engaging presentation.
Stay tuned for more workshops and resources from Lead The Way to support our youth in achieving their dreams. For upcoming events and educational opportunities.
Together, we are empowering students and families to take charge of their future!
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