Lesson Plan
Unlocking College Cash
Guide a 12th-grade student through researching and applying for financial aid—covering FAFSA basics, cost estimation, and scholarship searches—to create a personalized action plan.
Many students struggle to navigate financial aid on their own. This one-on-one lesson builds confidence by breaking down complex steps and tailoring guidance to each student’s needs.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Step-by-step, scaffolded individual support
Prep
Prepare Materials & Student Info
5 minutes
- Review each resource: FAFSA Overview Handout, Scholarship Search Guide, College Costs Worksheet, and Financial Aid Calculator Tool
- Gather the student’s preliminary information (family income estimates, school list, deadlines)
- Ensure digital access or printed copies are ready for individual use
Step 1
Introduction & Goal Setting
5 minutes
- Ask about the student’s college plans and funding concerns
- Define today’s objectives: complete FAFSA steps, estimate costs, identify scholarships
- Note the student’s deadlines and preferred communication style for follow-up
Step 2
Understanding FAFSA Basics
10 minutes
- Walk through the FAFSA Overview Handout
- Identify required documents (tax returns, W-2s, SSN)
- Guide the student to practice filling sample FAFSA fields
- Highlight common pitfalls and tips for accuracy
Step 3
Estimating College Costs
5 minutes
- Use the College Costs Worksheet to input tuition, room, board, and fees
- Leverage the Financial Aid Calculator Tool to compare net cost across schools
- Discuss how EFC (Expected Family Contribution) influences affordability
Step 4
Exploring Scholarships
5 minutes
- Introduce the Scholarship Search Guide
- Brainstorm 3–5 scholarships based on the student’s profile (merit, interest, background)
- Record application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required materials
Step 5
Next Steps & Personalized Plan
5 minutes
- Summarize action items: submit FAFSA by deadline, research top scholarships, request recommendation letters
- Set target dates and reminders in the student’s calendar
- Confirm follow-up check-in plan for progress and support
Slide Deck
Unlocking College Cash
Navigating Financial Aid Options for 12th Graders
Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that over the next 30 minutes you’ll cover FAFSA basics, cost estimation, scholarship research, and create a personalized next-step plan.
Your College Plans & Funding Goals
• Which colleges are you interested in?
• What concerns do you have about paying for college?
• Today’s objectives: FAFSA steps, cost estimates, scholarship ideas
Use this slide to learn about the student’s college aspirations and funding concerns. Pause to take notes and set today’s objectives.
FAFSA Basics
• Review the FAFSA Overview Handout
• Required documents: tax returns, W-2s, SSN
• Practice filling sample FAFSA fields
• Tips to avoid common errors
Guide the student through the FAFSA Overview Handout. Ask them to identify the documents they have on hand and fill in a sample field together.
Estimating College Costs
• Use the College Costs Worksheet
• Try the Financial Aid Calculator Tool
• Compare tuition, room & board, fees
• Understand Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Have the student complete the College Costs Worksheet, then demonstrate the Financial Aid Calculator Tool to compare net costs. Discuss how EFC affects affordability.
Exploring Scholarships
• Open the Scholarship Search Guide
• Identify 3–5 scholarships matching your profile
• Record deadlines, eligibility, required materials
Introduce the Scholarship Search Guide and brainstorm scholarships together. Encourage the student to think about merit, interests, background.
Next Steps & Personalized Plan
• Submit FAFSA by: _______
• Research top scholarships: _______
• Request recommendation letters
• Schedule follow-up on: _______
Summarize action items and set concrete deadlines. Confirm a follow-up check-in to monitor progress.
Worksheet
College Costs Worksheet
Use this worksheet to estimate and compare the true cost of attendance at up to three colleges. Then calculate your net cost by subtracting your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
College 1: ___________________________
Tuition Cost: $__________________________
Room & Board Cost: $_____________________
Additional Fees (books, supplies, etc.): $________________
Total Estimated Cost (sum): $_______________________
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): $_________________
Net Cost (Total Cost – EFC): $_______________________
How does this net cost fit your budget? Explain below:
College 2: ___________________________
Tuition Cost: $__________________________
Room & Board Cost: $_____________________
Additional Fees (books, supplies, etc.): $________________
Total Estimated Cost (sum): $_______________________
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): $_________________
Net Cost (Total Cost – EFC): $_______________________
How does this net cost fit your budget? Explain below:
College 3: ___________________________
Tuition Cost: $__________________________
Room & Board Cost: $_____________________
Additional Fees (books, supplies, etc.): $________________
Total Estimated Cost (sum): $_______________________
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): $_________________
Net Cost (Total Cost – EFC): $_______________________
How does this net cost fit your budget? Explain below:
Comparing Your Options
Use the Financial Aid Calculator Tool to verify your net cost estimates and compare affordability across these schools.
Which college offers the best balance of cost and fit? Why?
Worksheet
FAFSA Overview Handout
What Is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to federal grants, work-study programs, subsidized loans, and many state and institutional aid opportunities. Completing the FAFSA on time maximizes your eligibility for need-based and merit-based aid.
Why It Matters
- Determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- Unlocks federal grants (e.g., Pell Grant), subsidized loans, and work-study
- Required by most colleges and many scholarship programs
Required Documents
- Student Social Security Number (SSN)
- Parent SSN (if dependent)
- 2023 federal income tax returns (student and parent)
- W-2 forms and records of other earnings
- Current bank statements
- Records of untaxed income and investments (if applicable)
- Driver’s license or state ID (if available)
Step-by-Step Completion Guide
- Create an FSA ID
• Go to StudentAid.gov to register your username and password
• Use your FSA ID to access FAFSA each year - Gather Your Documents
• Collect tax returns, W-2s, SSNs, bank statements, and investment records - Start the FAFSA Online
• Log in with your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov
• Enter personal and financial information exactly as shown on documents
• List up to 10 colleges to receive your FAFSA data - Review & Sign
• Double-check names, SSNs, and all entries
• Sign electronically with your FSA ID (and parent FSA ID, if required) - Submit & Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Receive SAR summary by email within 3–5 days
• Check your EFC and correct any errors immediately
Sample FAFSA Fields Practice
Student Name: ___
Student SSN: -- Parent SSN: _--
2023 Adjusted Gross Income: $
Number of Household Members: ________________
List of Colleges (up to 10):
1. ________________________________
2. ________________________________
3. ________________________________
Common Pitfalls & Tips
- Never leave required fields blank; enter “0” or “N/A” if not applicable
- Double-check SSNs and birthdates for accuracy
- Use estimated numbers if tax returns aren’t finalized, then update later
- File as soon as FAFSA opens (October 1) to meet priority deadlines
Need Help?
- School counselor or college advisor
- Financial aid offices of your listed colleges
- Online tutorials at StudentAid.gov
Once you’ve reviewed this handout, practice filling in these sample fields during your session. Good luck!
Lesson Plan
Funding Your Future Lesson Plan
Equip a 12th-grade student with step-by-step guidance to research, compare, and apply for financial aid—including FAFSA completion, cost estimation, and scholarship searches—to produce a personalized action plan.
Many students find financial aid complex and overwhelming. This one-on-one lesson breaks down key processes, builds confidence, and ensures each student leaves with clear next steps and tools to fund their college education.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Step-by-step scaffolded individual support
Prep
Prepare Materials & Student Info
5 minutes
- Review each resource: FAFSA Overview Handout, Scholarship Search Guide, College Costs Worksheet, and Financial Aid Calculator Tool
- Gather the student’s preliminary information (family income estimates, college list, application deadlines)
- Ensure digital access or printed copies of all materials are ready for individual use
Step 1
Introduction & Goal Setting
5 minutes
- Ask about the student’s college aspirations and funding concerns
- Define today’s objectives: complete FAFSA steps, estimate costs, identify scholarships
- Record the student’s application deadlines and preferred follow-up method
Step 2
Understanding FAFSA Basics
10 minutes
- Walk through the FAFSA Overview Handout
- Identify required documents: tax returns, W-2s, Social Security Numbers
- Practice filling in sample FAFSA fields together
- Highlight common pitfalls and accuracy tips
Step 3
Estimating College Costs
5 minutes
- Use the College Costs Worksheet to list tuition, room & board, and fees
- Leverage the Financial Aid Calculator Tool to compare net cost across schools
- Discuss how Expected Family Contribution (EFC) influences affordability
Step 4
Exploring Scholarships
5 minutes
- Introduce the Scholarship Search Guide
- Brainstorm 3–5 scholarships aligned with the student’s profile (merit, background, interests)
- Record application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and required materials
Step 5
Next Steps & Personalized Plan
5 minutes
- Summarize action items: submit FAFSA by deadline, research top scholarships, request recommendation letters
- Set specific target dates and calendar reminders
- Confirm a follow-up check-in to review progress and provide additional support
Slide Deck
Funding Your Future
Navigating Financial Aid Options for 12th Graders
Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that in the next 30 minutes you’ll cover FAFSA basics, cost estimation, scholarship research, and create a personalized action plan.
Your College Plans & Funding Goals
• Which colleges are you interested in?
• What concerns do you have about paying for college?
• Today’s objectives: FAFSA steps, cost estimates, scholarship ideas
Use this slide to learn about the student’s college aspirations and funding concerns. Take notes and confirm today’s objectives.
FAFSA Basics
• Review the FAFSA Overview Handout
• Required documents: tax returns, W-2s, SSNs
• Practice completing sample FAFSA fields
• Tips to avoid common errors
Guide the student through the FAFSA Overview Handout. Ask them to identify which documents they have on hand and fill in a sample question together.
Estimating College Costs
• Use the College Costs Worksheet to list tuition, room & board, fees
• Try the Financial Aid Calculator Tool
• Compare total cost vs. Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• Discuss net cost for each school
Have the student complete the College Costs Worksheet then demonstrate the Financial Aid Calculator Tool to compare net costs. Discuss how EFC influences affordability.
Exploring Scholarships
• Open the Scholarship Search Guide
• Identify 3–5 scholarships aligned with your profile
• Note deadlines, eligibility, required materials
Introduce the Scholarship Search Guide and brainstorm scholarships matching the student’s profile. Record deadlines and requirements.
Next Steps & Personalized Plan
• Submit FAFSA by: _______
• Research top scholarships: _______
• Request recommendation letters
• Schedule follow-up check-in: _______
Summarize all action items and set clear deadlines. Confirm how and when you will follow up to review progress.
Worksheet
Scholarship Search Guide
Why Scholarships Matter
Scholarships can reduce your college costs and minimize student loan debt. Use this guide to identify scholarships that match your profile and track application details.
Scholarship Search Strategies
- Explore school-based scholarships via your high school counselor or college websites
- Use online search engines and databases (e.g., Fastweb, College Board)
- Check local organizations (community foundations, clubs, employers)
- Look for specialty awards based on your interests, background, or talents
- Review your estimated need from the College Costs Worksheet and FAFSA Overview Handout to target need-based awards
Scholarship Tracking Table
Use the table below to record up to five scholarships. Add rows if needed.
| Scholarship Name | Amount ($) | Deadline | Eligibility Criteria | Materials Needed | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Next Steps & Notes
- Set calendar reminders for each deadline
- Gather and organize required documents
- Plan a timeline for application drafts and reviews
Once you’ve filled in this table and completed your research, review your list with a counselor or mentor to confirm you meet all criteria and to discuss any additional opportunities.