2016 End of the Year Activities and Updates 
ZENIA GOES TO WASHINGTON:
COLLEGETRACKS ADVISES HOUSE ON FAFSA VERIFICATION PROCESS


Senior Program Director Zenia Henderson proudly represented the interests of low-income, minority and first generation-to-college students at a House panel discussion on simplification of the FAFSA verification process. The panel discussion took place on November 16, 2016 at the U.S. Capitol.  

Event sponsors The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) and the National College Access Network (NCAN) championed a simplified FAFSA that ensures students with need qualify and receive financial aid through a much less complicated process. 

"We are students' parents, their secretaries, advisors, mentors, counselors, cheerleaders, accountants, and academic coaches, among other things," said Henderson as she shared stories about the difficulties and emotional trauma the FAFSA verification process can cause. She emphasized that the neediest are often forgotten, and that filling out the FAFSA is just the first step in the FAFSA process.

TICAS Jessica Thompson, Policy and Research Director, said that the process asks "poor people to prove they are poor and creates significant barriers for low-income students." 

NCAN's Carrie Warick, Director of Policy and Advocacy, noted that 25-26% of all students seeking financial aid were subjected to FAFSA verification in the 2015-2016 academic year, with some institutions flagging 100% of students. 

____________________________________________________________________________

 THE  MAJORITY  OF COLLEGETRACKS STUDENTS SUBMIT FAFSA EARLY 
 
Congratulations to our staff and volunteers teams at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Watkins Mill and Wheaton high schools--their hard work encouraging students to complete the FAFSA early has paid off. 

At last count, nearly 53% of all eligible students had completed the FAFSA. That amounts to nearly 200 out of 372 seniors. The success is notable since this is the first year students could submit on October 1. 

Early submission has the added value of allowing students to tap available money when it's most plentiful. Applause all around to students, staff and volunteers for this terrific turnout.

YOU CAN HELP A STUDENT 
GET TO AND THROUGH COLLEGE

B-CC SCHOLARS LOVE  SOUL CYCLE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The first CollegeTracks cohort  of Soul Scholars--15 strong from the B-CC HS Program--will graduate from the cycling/wellness program on December 21. 

The program has been a huge success. Students eagerly met the challenges of the demanding classes that have met each Monday and Wednesday since October 17. Students comments about the program have ranged from "you don't think you can go anymore and then you realized you finished the whole thing," to "you not only get encouragement at Soul Cycle but also about your performance at school." 

Riding with the students are Senior Program Director, Zenia Henderson, Wheaton Program Director, Meghan Lynch, and Board Member, Jeff Wagner. 

The class is lead by Soul Cycle Instructor Megan Kelly, a favorite of the students for her belief in their potential as well as the motivation and inspiration she brings to each class. 

When asked about working with our students, she said that she is "constantly motivated by the care and consistency of the SoulScholars. They are so genuine in their desire to show up and work hard--I see the connection they've made through working hard at SoulCycle as it translates to their lives at home and in school.  Being around such a self-motivated group of young individuals gives me hope that the future will be okay." 

Thank you, Megan, for caring so much about our students! Thank you, Soul Cycle for giving our students this opportunity.

We are are hoping a new cohort can be formed in the spring. Stay tuned for details about the program and for more information about the community charity ride slated for February. 


MEET SHIRLEY SALAZAR,  NURSING STUDENT AT TRINITY  WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

CollegeTracks students have benefited from the program's strong relationship with Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. 

An institution of higher learning for women only, the school is known for its nursing and social work programs as well as its interest in furthering higher education for minority and immigrant students. 

Shirley Salazar (above), a graduate of B-CC High School and the daughter of parents from Ecuador, decided she wanted to study nursing and with the help of CollegeTracks was awarded the Conway Scholarship, a merit based-award given to a promising nursing school candidate that covers four years of education plus room and board. 

Salazar says she nearly fell over when she got the call announcing the award and she credits CollegeTracks for helping her at every step: 

"CollegeTracks  helped me determine the focus of my career and find scholarships specifically tailored to nursing. They took lots of time with me to research schools and scholarships, since the field of nursing is very competitive. I sent more than 10 applications and applied to any and all scholarships.

I needed a lot of help when I got to Trinity. When I first got there, I was timid. The CollegeTracks coaches showed me how to be more outspoken. As a result, I have become a student leader. CollegeTracks showed me how to dress and how to present myself and set long-term goals.
 
The coaches know that every student has two sides--the academic side and the emotional side. They take a holistic approach to education, knowing that there's more than just the FAFSA and grades. They care about your life. They're always there to talk to when you're confused or have difficult transitions.
 
Because of CollegeTracks, I know that I will get a good job and be able to help take care of my family so they have peace of mind." 


YOU CAN HELP A STUDENT 
GET TO AND THROUGH COLLEGE
COLLEGETRACKS NOW

CollegeTracks changes lives and communities by giving Montgomery County's 
low-income, first-generation-to-college students the chance to go to college or technical school with enough financial aid and continuing support to help them succeed there.

This 2016-17 school year CollegeTracks is serving with more than 700 high school students and 360 college students from Wheaton, Watkins Mill, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Schools.

For more information, Visit our Website

CollegeTracks| 301 986-4124 | collegetracksusa.org
STAY CONNECTED: