THE FAFSA CHALLENGE Newsletter for Partners in the JPS FAFSA Challenge

3 things to know about FAFSAs:

The FASFA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is the first ① step in getting money for college.

FAFSAs are available for completion starting, ② October 1! Encourage students to sign up for FAFSA Day at their high school. ③ Filing early gives students time to explore financial aid options to determine the best college fit.

JPS FAFSA Days your partners Callaway High School – October 4, November 3 and February 15 – October 24 and for success February 1 The National College Access Network awarded Get2College a $55,000 grant funded the – October 12 and The Kresge Foundation to increase FAFSA completion in Jackson Public Schools. FAFSA February 14 completion is a critical indicator of college enrollment. Thanks to the help of this enthusiastic group of partners, we are highly optimistic about our goals: Lanier High School – October 25 and February 22  100 Black Men Jackson – October 11 and  Alignment Jackson February 10  City of Jackson’s Mayor’s Youth Council  Greater Bethlehem Temple Provine High School – October 19 and  Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce Leadership Greater Jackson Program March 3  Jackson Public Schools Superintendent and District and School Staff – October 13 and  Mississippi Department of Education February 7  Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning JPS Saturdays at Get2College Center ‐  Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid November 5 and January 28  Parents for Public Schools Jackson Thanks to all for a great kickoff celebration! CA$H PROMOTE FAFSA DAYS AND WIN CASH! Students are the big winners when they file the FAFSA, but we’re offering incentives to help ensure as many students as possible file:

students counselors schools Complete your FAFSA by DECEMBER 1, The senior counselor at EACH JPS  The JPS high school with the 2016 to: high school who has 50% of seniors largest percentage of students  Receive a gift card at your FAFSA complete FAFSAs by December 1 will completing the FAFSA as of June appointment, and receive a $100 gift card. 1, 2017 will win $1,000!  Be eligible for more prizes when you  The JPS high school with the post a selfie with your “I Submitted largest increase in percentage of the FAFSA” sticker on Get2College students who completed FAFSAs social media. as of June 1, 2017 compared to the Class of 2015 will win $1,000!

PARTNER

Watch for Stephen and Kierstan from Get2College promoting the Shout out to our partners for their help in promoting FAFSAs! JPS FAFSA Challenge on WLBT’s Midday Mississippi at noon on New partner Greater Bethlehem Temple: We will work Friday, September 30! And with their Education Department to provide workshops for catch our radio ads on WJMI! their students and parents about preparing for college, the application and financial aid processes, and an on‐site FAFSA event. The goal is to make their students 9th grade through adult aware of college and processes, and equip them with the understanding, knowledge, and resources to turn into action. Callaway High School which has already filled up its first FAFSA Day with appointments and requested a third date! stay in touch JPS Executive Director of Public and Media Relations If you have questions about the Sherwin Johnson for the great home page coverage on the program or suggestions on how to JPS District and 7 high school websites. promote FAFSA completion, contact

JPS schools for permission to host tailgates at the football Kierstan Knaus at Get2College, games and the great reception from students, staff, and 601.321.5531 or parents. [email protected].