Monday, September 18th
After much thought, I decided that a FAFSA workshop for teens would be a great way to guide students and parents on filling out the application, especially since it opens on October 1st for the 2018-2019 school year. I proposed this to the Teen Department supervisor, April, who thought it was a great idea. I also called the local college's Student Financial Services Department to see what help, if any, they could provide. I was pleasantly surprised to learn they offer free outreach events such as FAFSA drives to help people of the community with filling out the application and providing information sessions on the types of financial aid assistance available (grants, loans, etc.). I spoke with the Financial Aid Specialist to determine availability of their staff and determine two tentative dates for the Fall semester: October 24th and November 15th.
I had to complete a program proposal for approval from both the Teen Department Supervisor and the Library Director. In the proposal, I had to create a description of the program and how it would help meet the library's mission and goals. I also had to create an action plan which provided a detailed strategy on steps needed to ensure the program's goals would be met; the materials and resources needed for the program to take place; and how the effectiveness of the workshop would be assessed.
Once I completed the program proposal, I submitted it to the Teen Department Supervisor for approval.
Weekly reflection: I am very excited that local college personnel who specialize in providing financial aid assistance and are knowledgeable of the types of aid available will be conducting these workshops for the people of the community. Since I work at the local college, I am aware of some of the challenges and obstacles students face in funding their college education. I have heard many students say they get frustrated while filling out the FAFSA because it is too long and too confusing to complete. Many often give up and wait until the last minute to file an application because they are pushed to do so. I am hoping high school students preparing to graduate will take advantage of the information available at these workshops so that they can complete the FAFSA early and correctly.
Also, I am surprised to learn that the local college offers FAFSA workshops, College Information Nights, and FAFSA drives to high schools and community organizations in the area for free. I was unaware that this was even available and it makes me wonder what other free services the local college offers to the surrounding community.
