December Senior Newsletter

Step 1: Create an FSA ID - both students and parents/contributors

• Create an account at: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

• Both students and parents/contributors will need separate FSA IDs.

• Review the document below: Creating Your FSA ID Checklist.

• Write down your ID and Password so it is accessible when you are completing the FAFSA.

Step 2: Gather or have access to the following information - both students and parents/contributors

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s license number (if you have one)
• Alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. Citizen)
• Tax returns from 2022 and W-2s (if applicable)
• Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
• Records of child support received (if applicable)
• Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
• List of school’s student is interested in attending

• The latest information reported is that the FAFSA will be open by December 31st, 2023.

UPDATE: The FAFSA event scheduled for January 5th at Coleman Jr/Sr High has been POSTPONED. Stay tuned for follow-up information at the beginning of the year as the event will be rescheduled.

Planning to attend the Varsity Basketball game on Friday, January 5th? Arrive a little bit before the 7 PM start time to meet with Mr. Zink and Ms. Willoughby for a FAFSA completion workshop! This event will take place on January 5th, 2024 from 6 PM - 8 PM. Students and parents are invited to attend this event to receive support with FASFA completion or ask any questions about the process!

Below is also a list of FAFSA Nights at area locations that all Midland County residents are invited to attend.

Now is the time to begin applying for scholarships, including the Midland Area Community Foundation Scholarships! Applications are now open until January 31st, 2024. One application will match you with a variety of scholarship opportunities. Simply fill out the application and you will be matched with the scholarships you are most likely to earn. The following materials must be received by the scholarship deadline:

• Transcripts (official or unofficial) - ask Ms. Willoughby or request through Parchment.
• Electronic GoApply application
• Documentation of Student Aid Index (SAI) (if applying for need-based scholarships) - determined by the FAFSA

Check out these scholarship databases and begin applying now! There is lots of free money available and many applications that are simple to complete.

• $2,000 Sallie Mae No Essay Scholarship: https://www.salliemae.com/scholarships/2k-scholarship
• HBAS Building Trades Scholarship: https://hbas.org/scholarship-information/
• Bring Back the Trades Scholarship: https://bringbackthetrades.org/scholarship
• Mike Rowe Works Scholarship: https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
• ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/19881/scholarshipowl-no-essay-scholarship
• Michigan Education Association Scholarship: https://mea.org/mea-scholarship/
• Burger King℠ Scholars Program: https://www.burgerkingfoundation.org/programs/burger-king-sm-scholars
• Michigan Council of Women in Technology: https://www.mcwt.org/programs/list/University-Initiatives/Scholarship-Program

• Up to $2,000 if you attend a career training program in Michigan, per year, up to two years
• Up to $2,750 if you attend a Michigan community college, per year, up to three years
• Up to $4,000 if you attend a Michigan private college or university, per year, up to five years
• Up to $5,500 if you attend a Michigan public university or are enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, per year, up to five years

With the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship, students can receive up to $4,000 over two years to attend an eligible career training program in Michigan. Check out the links below to learn more about the eligible career training programs as well as complete the application.

1. Find an eligible career training provider.
2. Complete the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship application in the MiSSG Student Portal.
3. Enroll in an eligible career training program.

The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), is a program available for eligible students who have or Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36 month period between the ages of nine and high school graduation. You must complete the FAFSA to receive this aid. If you are wondering if you are eligible, please reach out to Mr. Zink or Ms. Willoughby.

According to GoingMerry.com, these are the top 10 most common scholarship essay prompts. Think about how you could respond to these questions by sharing your personal experiences and making your essays stand out.

1. How will this scholarship help you?
2. How have you contributed to the community?
3. Tell us about yourself.
4. Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it.
5. What are your academic and/or career goals?
6. What impact has sports had on your life?
7. Why do you deserve this scholarship?
8. Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged.
9. How are you unique? (background, interests, talents, etc..)
10. Why do you want to study/pursue your degree/field of choice?

Check our this resource below! Mr. Zink and Ms. Willoughby are also available to help you brainstorm, answer questions, or proofread your essays.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Willoughby (ewilloughby@colemanschools.net) or Mr. Zink (szink@colemanschools.net) with any questions you may have about planning for life after high school. We are here to help!