Financial Aid Navigator Script

Warm-Up: Financial Futures (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important for your future: paying for college or career school. Let's start with a quick thought experiment. What are your dreams for after high school? Whether it's a four-year university, a community college, or a trade school, how do you think you'll pay for it? Don't worry about being right, just share your initial thoughts."

(Allow a few students to share their initial ideas. Prompt with questions like, "Has anyone heard of scholarships? What about student loans?")

Teacher: "It's totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed or confused about college costs. That's why we're here today – to demystify financial aid and show you how to 'Show Me the Money!'"

Understanding Financial Aid (15 minutes)

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 1: Show Me the Money! Your Guide to Financial Aid)

Teacher: "Today, we're going to navigate the world of financial aid. It's essentially money designed to help students pay for educational expenses. This can come from various sources: federal and state governments, the colleges themselves, and even private organizations. The big 'why' behind it? It makes higher education accessible, helps reduce the burden of student debt, and ultimately, it's an investment in your future!"

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 2: What is Financial Aid?)

Teacher: "Let's dive into the different types of financial aid, starting with the best kind: free money!"

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 3: Types of Financial Aid: Grants)

Teacher: "First up, Grants. These are amazing because they are money you generally do not have to pay back. Grants are often 'need-based,' meaning they're awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need based on their family's income and assets. Has anyone heard of a Pell Grant? It's one of the most common federal grants for undergraduates. We also have Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or FSEOGs, for those with the greatest financial need, and many states offer their own grants too. Any questions about grants?"

(Pause for questions. Clarify that grants are based on financial need, not academic merit.)

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 4: Types of Financial Aid: Scholarships)

Teacher: "Another fantastic form of free money is Scholarships. Unlike most grants, scholarships are often 'merit-based.' This means they're awarded for things like academic achievement, artistic talent, athletic skills, community service, or even specific interests or backgrounds. Scholarships can come from colleges, private organizations, and local businesses."

Teacher: "So, where do you find these magical scholarships? Your school counseling office is a great starting point. There are also many online search engines like Fastweb and Scholarship.com, and of course, check the financial aid sections of the college websites you're interested in. My advice? Start looking early and apply for everything you might qualify for! Any questions about scholarships?"

(Pause for questions. Emphasize that students should never pay for scholarship applications.)

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 5: Types of Financial Aid: Loans & Work-Study)

Teacher: "Now, let's talk about Loans. These are different because they are money you borrow and must repay, usually with interest. We have Federal Student Loans, which are generally your best option if you need to borrow. They often have lower fixed interest rates and more flexible repayment plans. Some are 'subsidized,' meaning the government pays the interest while you're in school, which is a huge benefit."

Teacher: "Then there are Private Loans, which come from banks or other lenders. These usually have higher, variable interest rates and fewer protections, so it's generally best to exhaust all other options before considering private loans."

Teacher: "Finally, Work-Study. This program allows you to earn money to help pay for educational expenses by working part-time, usually on campus or for approved off-campus employers. It's a great way to gain experience and help offset costs. Any questions about loans or work-study?"

(Pause for questions. Stress the difference between 'free' money and 'borrowed' money.)

FAFSA & CSS Profile Deep Dive (15 minutes)

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 6: The Main Event: FAFSA)

Teacher: "Now that we understand the types of aid, let's talk about how to get it. The most important application for federal student aid is the FAFSA, which stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This single application unlocks eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. So, who should file it? Almost everyone applying for college, even if you think your family won't qualify. Many colleges require it for any financial aid, even institutional scholarships. When should you file? As early as possible, starting October 1st each year for the upcoming academic year."

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 7: FAFSA: What You Need)

Teacher: "To make the FAFSA process smooth, you'll need to gather some documents. These include your Social Security number and, if you're a dependent student, your parents' Social Security numbers. You'll also need federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and records of investments and untaxed income. Finally, both the student and one parent will need an FSA ID, which acts as your electronic signature. It's important to keep your FSA ID safe and secure."

Teacher: "I'm handing out the Financial Aid Application Worksheet now. Take a look at the first few questions while I continue to explain. We'll work on some of this together, and the rest will be homework."

(Distribute the Financial Aid Application Worksheet. Give students a moment to glance over it.)

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 8: Beyond FAFSA: CSS Profile)

Teacher: "While FAFSA is critical, some private colleges and universities also require an additional form called the CSS Profile. This form goes into more detail about your family's finances than the FAFSA and helps these institutions award their own aid. You only need to file the CSS Profile if the colleges you're applying to require it, so always check their financial aid websites. There is a fee to file, but fee waivers are available for eligible students."

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 9: Don't Miss Out! Deadlines Are KEY!)

Teacher: "One of the most crucial things to remember are the deadlines! The FAFSA and CSS Profile both open on October 1st. However, many states and individual colleges have priority deadlines that are much earlier. Why is this so important? Because financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Missing a deadline can literally mean missing out on thousands of dollars in potential aid. So, mark your calendars and apply early!"

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 10: Application Tips for Success)

Teacher: "To ensure a smooth application process, here are some key tips: Apply early, as soon as applications open. Be accurate – double-check all your financial information. Use your FSA ID carefully and keep it secure. Read all instructions thoroughly, and most importantly, don't hesitate to ask for help!"

Resources and Next Steps (8 minutes)

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 11: Where to Get Help?)

Teacher: "You don't have to go through this alone! You have a great support system. Your school counselor is your first stop for guidance. Every college has a financial aid office with experts ready to assist you. The official Federal Student Aid website, studentaid.gov, is invaluable for FAFSA help. For CSS Profile and scholarship information, check out College Board's BigFuture website. And don't forget online scholarship search engines."

Teacher: "Remember the Financial Aid Application Worksheet I gave you? I'd like you to complete the rest of it for homework. It will help you organize your thoughts and prepare for the actual application process. Also, I strongly encourage you to schedule individual meetings with your counselor for personalized help with your specific college and financial aid plans."

(Display Show Me the Money! Slide Deck - Slide 12: Your Future Awaits!)

Teacher: "To wrap up, financial aid is a powerful tool to achieve your college dreams. Take control of your education by starting early, staying organized, and utilizing your resources. Your future awaits!"

Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway (2 minutes)

Teacher: "Before you leave, please take out a small piece of paper or use an exit ticket. On it, write down one important piece of information or one key takeaway that you learned about financial aid today. This will help me see what resonated most with you. You can turn this in as you exit."

(Collect exit tickets.)

Financial Aid Application Worksheet

Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Understanding Financial Aid Types

Read each statement and identify the type of financial aid being described (Grant, Scholarship, Federal Loan, Private Loan, Work-Study).

1. This type of aid is often awarded based on a student's academic achievements, athletic talent, or community service, and does not need to be repaid.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. This is

Financial Aid Application Answer Key

Part 1: Understanding Financial Aid Types

1. Scholarship

   • Thought Process: The description mentions academic achievements, athletic talent, or community service, and that it doesn't need to be repaid. These are key characteristics of a scholarship.

2. Grant

   • Thought Process: The statement highlights