/College Application Online.png)
The Genesee County Career and College Access Network (GCCCAN), a program within the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), is working hard to ensure that all high school seniors have the opportunity to apply to college. These efforts are supported by the Michigan College Access Network, school counselors, college advisors, and community members.
GCCCAN in collaboration with network partners also supports Michigan’s “Sixty by 30” initiative by working to build awareness of higher education and certification opportunities for Genesee County students and residents. The goal is to increase the percentage of working-age adults with a skilled certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.
During the month of October, which is Michigan College Month, many Michigan colleges and universities will be waiving their application fees, and local school districts will focus on providing information to high school seniors about applying for college. New this school year is the Michigan Assured Admission Pact (MAAP), an agreement with 10 participating public universities to admit all Michigan high school graduates who earned a cumulative high school GPA of a 3.0 or above using a 4.0 scale.
“This is a great time to complete college applications as a way to maximize admissions and scholarship opportunities,” stated Corrine Walworth, GCCCAN Coordinator.
This year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is being revised and simplified. As a result it will not be available until December 2023. However, students and their parent(s) are encouraged to create their FSA ID now by visiting https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. The FSA ID is required in order to complete the FAFSA.
Thousands of dollars in scholarships and financial aid for students in Genesee County go unclaimed every year. GISD is working to ensure more students and families take advantage of the resources available that can help make college or post-high school education/training possible.
“The FAFSA helps connect students to scholarships, grants, loans, and work study opportunities, and it determines the amount of financial aid students receive,” said Corrine Walworth, GCCCAN Coordinator. “The FAFSA is the most important step in getting money for college, and is the only way to determine eligibility for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.”
It is estimated that 8 out of 10 students in Michigan who complete the FAFSA and enroll in college will be eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. To learn more, visit www.Michigan.gov/achievement.