(Â鶹´«Ã½ P–20) will launch the first of its three-part “Fund Your Future” webinar series, beginning Tuesday, August 18, to assist local families with planning and preparation for continuing education or career training after high school graduation. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.
“Â鶹´«Ã½ high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend one session from each part of the Fund Your Future series to get a complete outlook of the many sources of financial aid available to local students, and how to pay to further your education after high school primarily using grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid,” said Lynsey Bow, postsecondary readiness director for Â鶹´«Ã½ P–20. “College in Â鶹´«Ã½ can be affordable, and local help is available to help families navigate this process.”
- Part 1: ¡ªLearn how to access more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid, along with more than $70 million in scholarships awarded annually to Â鶹´«Ã½ students. Financial aid is available for students attending two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools, supporting a wide range of post-high school education and career pathways. The first free workshop will be held Tuesday, August 18, 6¨C7:30 p.m. via Zoom. .
- Part 2: ¡ªHear from experts representing Sallie Mae, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Community Foundation, and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ System as they discuss scholarship opportunities available to Â鶹´«Ã½ students, regardless of family income. Participants will also receive tips for using scholarship search tools and writing strong scholarship essays. The first of two virtual workshops will take place Thursday, November 5. .
- Part 3: Statewide virtual FAFSA completion workshops¡ªAttendees will be able to ask questions and review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 award year. These events will be held November through January, and registration will open soon. Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA for the 2027–28 award year will become available October 1.
“While the FAFSA has been simplified and is now faster and easier to complete than in previous years, families should use the time before October 1 to gather any necessary financial information and supporting documentation,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Â鶹´«Ã½ P–20. “Completing the FAFSA is required for many local and national scholarships, so we encourage students to apply early and take advantage of every financial aid opportunity for which they are eligible, while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”
Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.
For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, .