POTTSVILLE AREA

HIGH SCHOOL

FINANCIAL AID

NIGHT

PREPARED BY: PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER EDUCATION

ASSISTANCE AGENCY (PHEAA) 2017-18

PROGRAM

I. INTRODUCTION .••.••.......•......•....•••.•...•..........•.....•• Mary Beth Conville LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP SOURCES POST-SECONDARY COUNSELOR

II. SCHUYLKILL AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION •....•... MARYBETH C. MATZ SAC FOUNDATION ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANANGER

Ill. FAFSA, PHEAA, THE FINANCIAL

AID PACKAGE ........................................................................ LINDA PACEWICZ

High Education Access Partner Northeast Region

INTRODUCTION

The process of filing for Financial Aid often appears to be quite complicated and confusing. However, it need not be an ordeal if it is done with the confidence of having a resourceful background and a systematic plan for giving attention to every detail.

We, the members of the Pottsville Area High School Guidance Department, are attempting to expand your knowledge of this area by offering this evening's Financial Aid Program. We hope that you can use this information as a basic reference tool in organizing your "financial aid process".

Individual questions can be directed to the counseling staff:

Mary Beth Conville - Post-Secondary Counselor (Grades 11 and 12) (570)621-2965

Michelle McGinty - Guidance Counselor (Grades 9 and 10) ......•• (570)621-2993

Appointments or general information can also be obtained from:

Lori Schuster- Guidance Secretary ......•••..•.•..••. (570) 621-2964

WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?

Financial Aid is money from various sources which is meant to supplement what the family and the student can afford to pay for their education from their savings, earnings and assets. It includes money from the state and federal governments, from private foundations, corporations, clubs, religious, civic, ethnic, cultural organizations, and from the college itself. Financial Aid can take one of four forms: a scholarship, grant, educational loan, or student employment - or any combination. The following definitions should help understand these terms:

(1) A SCHOLARSHIP - is an outright award usually given to honor a student withexceptional ability, talent, or other special qualifications. A scholarship does not have to be repaid.

(2) A GRANT -is also aid for educational purposes which do not have to be repaid.Financial need is usually the primary consideration for awarding this money.

(3) A LOAN - is a sum of money borrowed for the purpose of meeting educationalexpenses. Loan money must be repaid, along with additional interest. Educational loans made through governmental programs carry relatively low interest rates, and repayment generally starts after post secondary schooling has concluded.

(4) WORK STUDY - is employment obtained for the student through the postsecondary school's Financial Aid Office. It is a means of helping the student contribute to his/her educational expenses. Salaries are paid from Governmental funds administered by the institution in. which the student is enrolled. Work assignments are made to fit the individual's class schedule, and whenever possible -to relate to the student's career interests

Additional means of financing higher education - It must be emphasized that the above list is by no means complete. There are numerous books in our guidance library that you or your son/daughter can use to check for scholarship sources. The Internet is another valuable source of information on the subject Applying for scholarships requires work - researching, completing applications, compiling a resume, sand writing essays. For the ambitious student, this work can really pay off! If you are experiencing any difficulties in obtaining information in this matter, please contact me. I am willing to assist you in any way possible, but please, DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE!

WHERE TO START

Students should utilize a systematic and ambitious approach in their quest for money to support their post-secondary education.

FAMILY The family is primarily responsible for paying for college.

GRANTS File a FAFSA form for state and federal grants. Some colleges also

require additional forms, such as the CS$ Profile.

SPECIAL Special purpose affiliations should be investigated, such as: churches.

unions. clubs and civic club scholarships.

COLLEGE Ask the financial aid office for forms. deadlines. scholarship applications

and work study jobs.

LOANS A FAFSA must be filed to determine loan eligibility. Loans can be

obtained through banks, savings & loans associations, credit unions, PHEAA, and some colleges.

NOW YOU ARE READY TO BEGIN YOUR

COLLEGE CAREER

HINTS ON STAYING ORGANIZED

1. Start a file, and gather the following information during December:Use the Financial Aid Checklist (attached).

a. A list of every school to which you have applied (record tuition, room,board and expenses). Obtain the phone number and e-mail address ofeach Financial Aid office.

b. Electronic filers should obtain a FAFSA ID number which is yourelectronic signature. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. This PIN remains thesame throughout the student's college career and should be kept secure.

c. Find out each school's individual deadline for filing.

d. Paper filers should call 1-800-4FEDAID or 1-800-433-3243 to obtain paperFAFSAs. Obtain the Federal School Code for each college if filing a paperFA FSA.

e. Check the websites or contact the school to determine which form(s) areneeded for financial aid (ex. FAFSA, CSS Profile, institutional form). TheCSS Profile is available online atcss.collegeboard.org.

f. Make income tax appointments as early as possible. Filing can begin inOctober.

g. Obtain scholarship applications requiring financial information.

2. Gather taxable and non-taxable income, and complete income tax as soon aspossible. PHOTOCOPYforms to retain a copy in your file.

3. Complete Financial Aid and Scholarship applications, adhering to deadlines andPHOTOCOPY EACH. Record dates that each were mailed or submitted.

www.collegeboard.org SAT registration and College information

www.act.org ACT registration

www.careerinfonet.com a Career exploration tool

www.dli.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Career Guide

www.asvabprogram.com ASVAB information

www.fastweb.com Scholarships and financial aid

www.careerlink.org Career Link

www.careeronestop.org Career Inventory

www.pacareerzone.org Career Inventory with a budgeting tool.

www .schoolguides.com School Guide lists majors and colleges **"'Super Fantastic Resource IHI

www.collegeprowler.com explore colleges, their stats, and safety

Compare anything with www.diffen.com (Occupational Therapist compared to Physical Therapist, Counselor to Police officer) something kind of fun to check out.

www. fafsa.ed. org www.oheaa.org

www.educationalplanner.org

www.finaid.org www.fafsa4caster.ed.org

www.scholarships.com www.biqfuture.collegeboard.org

Scholarship packets

with ntore details and

exact deadline dates

will be announced

in Decentber 18, 2017

(* and posted on our website)

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

HILTON SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS

A. Qualifications:1. Must live within the POTTSVILLE CITY LIMITS.2. Must be accepted for post high school education - business, technical, trade, or nursing

school, junior or community college, or 4 year college or university.3. Must have a cumulative 2.5 grade point average through the latest fall term.4. Appllcants may be high school seniors or college students.5. Applicants must display worthiness in character and financial need.

B. Applications:1. Applications are available on www .csascholars.org beginning January TBA 2018.2. Applicants must submit a teacher recommendation. (Form Is available onllne).3. Students/families are responsible to provide the followlng Information:

a. A sealed recommendation formb. Essay (no more than 1 page detailing high school experiences and college plans)c. A signed copy of the parents• Federal Tax 1040 and W-2 forms for 2015 or 2016d. You must request an official transcript from the Guidance Office.e. All documents, Including transcript, must be enclosed In one envelope.

4. Questions may be directed to: Allison Scholarship Administrator Center for Scholarship Administration 864-268-3363(phone)

864-268-7160 (fax) Email: allison@csascholars.org All documents must be enclosed In one envelope. DEADLINE FOR ALL ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL MATERIALS MUST BE COMPLETE AND POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN March 14 .2 018.

C. It should be noted that you need to reapply every year that you are in a post high school programand your college transcript must be submitted annually.

DEADLINE IS .MARCH 14, 2018

SNAYBERGER MEMORIAL FOUNDATION GRANTS

A. Qualifications:1. This scholarship Is only open to students whose parents or grandparents

were employed at the former Walk-In Shoe Company during Mr. Snayberger's life time.2. Must file the FAFSA. Applicants must also submit a Financial Release form to the college.3. Grants are based on the student's unmet need.

B. Applications:More information on applying for this scholarship will be available in Republican & Herald.

SYLVIA M. HARLEY MEMORIAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

A. Qualifications:1. Applicants must be pursuing a career In nursing (RN, ASN or BSN program) and display

financial need.2. Residents of the Pottsville Area School District will receive first preference.

B. Applications:1. More Information regarding applications will be available In the spring, please watch the

Republican & Herald Newspaper for notification.

ELMER S. AND FRANCIS R. CHRIST SCHOLARSHIP

A. Qualifications:1. Minimum grade point average of 3.0.2. Must be accepted to a college, university, or other Institution of higher learning.

B. Selection:1. These Scholarships are based on need, academic performance, community service, civic

Involvement, diligence, and reputation.

C. Applications:1. Secure an application form In our Guidance Office. Will be announced when available.2. Completed applications must be submitted to the Guidance Office.3. A COPY OF THE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE YOU RECEIVED FROM THE COLLEGE YOU

PLAN TO ATTEND MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE NO LATER THANMARCH 14, 2018

EVELYN FAUST SCHOLARSHIP

A. Qualifications:1. This scholarship Is available to FEMALE STUDENTS ONLY.2. Applicant must attend a four-year baccalaureate program.3. Award Is based on financial need In conjunction with achievement In academics

And extra-curricular activities.

B. Applications:1. Applications will be available In the Guidance Office and will be announced when available.2. Completed applications must be returned to Mrs. Conville by_.

3. A COPY OF THE APPLICANT'S FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE NO LATER THAN MARCH 14, 2018

ALICE E. KEAR MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

A. Qualifications:1. Applicant must be continuing their education at a college or university majoring In music.2. Award Is based on musical and scholastic achievement, leadership ablllty, and community

Involvement

B. Applications:1. Applications will be available In the Guidance Office beginning December2. Completed applications must be returned to Mrs. Conville by_MARCH 14 2018.

SOL LIPTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

A. Qualifications:1. One reclplent from Pottsville Area High School ls chosen each year.2. Award Is based on merit, need, and moral character.3. One recommendation from a teacher must be submitted with this application.

B. Applications:1. Applications will be available in the Guidance Office and will be announced when available.2. Completed applications must be returned to Mrs. Conville In a sealed envelope by

MARCH 14, 2018

POTTSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP

AWARDS

A. Qualifications:1. These awards are given to graduating seniors based on merit2. Applications will be available in the Guidance Office and will be announced when available.3. Completed applications are to be returned to Mrs. Conville in the Guidance Office

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION IS MARCH 14, 2018 A COPY OF THE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER MUST BE ATTACHED.

A. Qualifications:

DR. WALTER BACON MEMORIAL AWARD

1. This award Is given to a graduating senior based on merit and need.2. Applications will be available In the Guidance Office and will be announced when available.3. Completed applications are to be returned to Mrs. Conville In the Guidance Office

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION IS MARCH 14, 2018 A COPY OF THE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER MUST BE ATTACHED.

DR. BRAUN MUSIC ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

A. Qualifications:1. This award Is given to a graduating senior In the upper third of their class.2. First preference is given to students who matriculate in the music department of Lebanon

Valley College.3. Second preference Is given to students who matriculate In the music department of any other

private accredited degree granting Institution.4. Applications will be available in the Guidance Office beginning.5. Completed applications are to be returned to Mrs. Conville In the Guidance Office

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION IS MARCH 14, 2018 A COPY OF THE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER MUST BE ATTACHED.

ST. CLAIR AREA SCHOOL BOARD SCHOLARSHIPS

A. Qualifications:1. Must be a resident of the Sl Clair Area School District2. Students are judged on academic standing, attendance, financial need, character, and

contributions to community and school.

B. Applications:1. Applications will be available In the Guidance Office beginning December.2. Applications need to be returned to Mrs. Conville byMARCH 14, 2018

KATHLEEN M. REIBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

A. Qualifications:1. Applicants must have received his/her basic education (Kindergarten through

eighth grade) in the Sl Clair Elementary School.2. Students must be accepted by a two or four year post secondary Institution.3. Applicants should be Involved In extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need.

B. Applications:1. Applications are available beginning December.2. Completed applications must be returned to Mrs. Conville by MARCH 14, 2018

SCHUYLKILL AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

. This user friendly website has valuable information on the availability of financial opportunities for the students and their families. For a listing of all Scholarships/Awards available to Pottsville Area High School students through the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, please go to www.sacfoundaUon.com

THE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE

Colleges must adhere to federal and state regulations based on financial need

when awarding state and federal funds.

Schools can develop their own criteria for awarding institutional funds. The factors listed below can influence the awarding of institutional funds:

• Academics (quality of students)• SATs or ACTs• High school class rank• Grade point average• Predicted college grade point average• Advanced Placement courses• Honors or accelerated track in high school• Legacies (children of alumni)• Diversity-gender, ethnicity• Athletic ability• Talent-theater, dance, music• Student activities- newspaper, yearbook, radio stations, government• Geographic diversity

Many colleges will negotiate Aid Packages. Special circumstances and the amount of funding available can significantly influence the amount of aid awarded.

Encourage students to be good consumers when reviewing aid offers. It is important to weigh loans and grants in evaluating financial aid packages, and to be aware of the remaining costs required by the family.

MISCELLANEOUS AWARDS AND

SCHOLARSHIPS

Throughout the school year, numerous scholarships are announced. Each senior receives several memos per month on scholarship applications that come into the Guidance Office. These scholarships are from such organizations as: Coca-Cola, Kiwanis, Elks, Teamsters, Wal-Mart, Comcast, Burger King, and more. Scholarship

information is also available on the Pottsville Area School District website: www.pottsville.k12.Qa.us click on the Pottsville Area High School Guidance Office -Scholarships for seniors and parents.

All scholarship notifications from colleges that the Guidance Office receives are posted on the Guidance website and announced on the daily announcements.

IT IS IMPERATIVE TO CHECK THE BULLETIN BOARDS AND LISTEN TO THE

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION.

It is wise to check with employers, unions, churches, clubs, and civic organizations to which the family is affiliated. Many valuable scholarships are awarded to members meeting certain established criteria.

Children of disabled or deceased Veterans are often eligible to apply for scholarships or benefits. Check with local Veterans Administration and follow their guidelines.

Many private sources and local organizations offer numerous awards which are given during graduation ceremonies. Anyone meeting the qualifications or terms of the benefactor will automatically be considered. In this particular case, separate applications are not distributed. Instead, the various academic departments, clubs, or athletic organizations nominate the most qualified candidates. Information provided by the student regarding their activities, community service, and future plans are taken into consideration.