DCAN In-Depth | Dec. 19, 2019

A FAFSA WELCOME! DCAN serving up monthly resources for FAFSA success

Dear Colleagues: Welcome to the first issue of DCAN In-Depth , a monthly newsletter diving deep into the world of FAFSA ! Each month, we'll cover the following topics: How We're Doing - A look at our goals and area data to keep us focused. Resources - Helpful links and tools for you and your students. FAFSA Spotlight - We'll feature organizations or people doing awesome work to move the needle. Calendar - A highlight of upcoming events and important dates. FAFSA is the only way to unlock the Pell Grant, other federal financial aid, all state financial aid and most institutional and community-based financial aid. Thank you for your work in promoting a college-going culture in Detroit! Sincerely,  Dr. Ashley Johnson Executive Director, DCAN ajohnson@detroitcan.org

HOW WE'RE DOING A look at our goals and current data

Detroit's FAFSA goal is simple: 55% completion by March 1 and 70% completion by July 1. As of Dec. 11, we are at 27% completion . Together, we can meet the March 1 completion goal! To learn more about citywide data, visit the DCAN FAFSA Toolkit .

Looking for ways increase your numbers? START HERE! Sign up for the College Cash Campaign/Governor's FAFSA Challenge. If your school is signed up for the College Bound Michigan Initiative you are already signed up to participate in the College Cash Campaign.  Complete the MiSSG Data Use Agreement. The Data Use Agreement gives counselors and advisers access to Student Level Data for: FAFSA completion, SAT scores, TIP eligibility rosters, student look-ups and MCS eligibility. The form must be returned from a school principal's email to mistudentaid@michigan.gov. Utilize the MCAN FAFSA Tracker to stay up to date on your school's completion rate. Meet 1-on-1 with every senior to discuss FAFSA and the college going process Have weekly open office hours for parents to drop in and work on the FAFSA with support. (Example: FAFSA Fridays, Money Mondays, etc.) And be sure to check out the additional resources below!

Congratulations to the top 5 high schools with the current highest completion rates! Detroit International Academy for Young Women - 76% Frontier International Academy - 68.7% Renaissance High School - 60.8% Detroit Edison Public School Academy - 60% Voyageur College Preparatory Academy - 56.8%

RESOURCES Helpful links and tools

Click on the video for a word from the Detroit Pistons about FAFSA! Click on the video for a word from Governor Gretchen Whitmer about the FAFSA Challenge.

Check out these recommended resources and action steps:

Use DCAN's FAFSA Toolkit. Visit the Federal Government’s Resources for Student Aid. Read Governor Whitmer’s FAFSA Challenge one-pager. Ask your member of Congress to support bipartisan FAFSA Simplification and HBCU/MSI Funding Proposal. Watch the Digital Future of Federal Student Aid video.

FAFSA SPOTLIGHT Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars Apply event

On October 29, 2019 the Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars hosted their Apply event at Walsh College in Troy. Students that participate in their Next Level Scholars Program were able to complete many of the necessary financial steps in order to matriculate to post-secondary education. This included a hands-on FAFSA completion workshop where students and parents were able to complete the FAFSA with the support of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Financial Aid Team and a paying for college workshop.

Connect with Detroit College Access Network

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