By Marlene Seeklander For those individuals who like to bring about change, particularly as it relates to distracted driving, the Project Yellow Light Scholarship may be an opportunity to consider. The Project Yellow Light/Hunter Garner Scholarship is a scholarship competition founded by the family of Hunter Garner, who was killed in a car crash in
Project Yellow Light Scholarships Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Tax preparation time is here, and, although financial aid professionals aren’t required to be tax experts, you may receive questions about the reporting of student loan interest payments. In a recent Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid (FSA) outlined general information about the reporting of 2025 student loan interest payments. Borrowers who made federal
Reminders on the reporting of 2025 student loan interest payments on tax returns Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The 2024-25 Campus-Based program awards will soon be “in the books” for schools. An Electronic Announcement from the Department of Education stated that the 2024-25 Campus-Based program awards closeout will be completed by March 16. The Department uses data from a school’s Fiscal Operations Report for 2024-25 and Application to Participate for 2026-27
2024-25 Campus-Based Awards Closeout Read More »
Early Awareness E-News March 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 3 Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment and news of upcoming enhancements While many students, parents, and schools are currently focused on the
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By Catherine Mueller As your senior year gets closer to winding down, make sure to complete the necessary admission applications, scholarship essays, and financial aid information – keeping in mind the necessary deadlines. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with the tasks at hand but continue to progress through your to do list. Below are the tasks
March tasks for high school seniors Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is drafting presentations and documents in advance of the publication of the final rules from the amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) through the Budget Reconciliation Bill. In a February 20, 2026 update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, the Department noted that they are drafting
Department of Education drafting materials to prepare for final rule changes Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Scholarships are often the additional funding that helps many students pursue their educational goals and dreams. Charles L. Shor Foundation Epilepsy Scholarship – This $5,000 award is designed to assist students currently being treated for active epilepsy seizures who plan to purse a college education. Applicants must be a high school senior, high
National scholarship opportunities for students Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Participants in the upcoming FSA Training Conference now have additional information to access as they prepare for the conference. On February 25, the Department of Education announced that the following information is available on the FSA Training Conference website: A limited number of attendees were selected by lottery to attend the conference, scheduled for
Additional information for 2026 FSA Training Conference participants now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals now have a new enrollment reporting guide, updated with references to the latest website for fulfilling the reporting requirements. On February 23, the Department of Education announced an updated version of the Enrollment Reporting Guide. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for NSLDS enrollment reporting. This update includes replacing references to
Updated NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide (February 2026) now available Read More »
Tip of the Week For student loan borrowers – finding the possible in what seems impossible She faced what she felt was an impossible situation. The recent graduate found a decent job and was making enough money to pay her living expenses but then she received notice of her student loan payment amount. Looking at
Tip of the Week – February 25, 2026 Read More »
