• Money for College
    Middle School Students should be investigating financial considerations related to college attendance.  There are actually scholarships and competitions with monetary prizes that Middle School Students can apply or compete for during the Middle School years.  Whether an eventual  high school graduate chooses to attend a public university, a private college or university, or a community or junior college, financial aid is available.  Students should check out all federal, state, and local financial aid options available to them.
     

    A Few “Scholarships for Middle Schoolers” sites to get you started (copy and paste into your browser):

    https://www.edvisors.com/scholarships/win-scholarships/free-scholarships/students-under-age-13-scholarships/

    http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/age13.phtml

    https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/money/college-scholarships-middle-schooler

    https://scholarshipowl.com/blog/apply-for-scholarships/scholarships-middle-school-students/

    https://jlvcollegecounseling.com/scholarships/age/middle-school/

    https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/college-scholarships-middle-school.html

    https://www.unigo.com/pay-for-college/scholarships/you-re-never-too-young-for-scholarships

    http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/8-12.htm

     
    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only tool for determining eligibility for federal assistance.  There are three sources for funds that can be used for post-secondary education:
    • Grants -- Like scholarships, the money from federal grant programs does not have to be paid back -- it is "free" money.  Most of these programs are need-based, as determined by the student's family's ability to pay college costs, but some are merit-based, as determined by the student's grade point average, test results, and other factors.
    • Loans -- Funds from federal loan programs must be paid back by the student after she or he has finished college and begun to work at a real job -- there are also some parent loan programs available.  These loans are offered at very low interest rates.
    • Work Study -- Students who qualify for Work Study programs take a part-time job at the colleges or universities they choose to attend -- the school pays part of the salary for that job, the federal government pays the other portion of the salary, and part of the money earned goes toward the student's tuition and fees.
     
    Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications can be submitted -- preferrably online -- starting in January of the student's Senior year.  Please see my Welcome Page for a quick link to FAFSA.
     
    The State of California also administers the CalGrant Program.  As the name implies, this is a grants-only program -- the money awarded does not have to be paid back.  CalGrant applications must be submitted by March 2 of the student's senior year, and the prior filing of a FAFSA application is required.  Please see my Welcome Page for a quick link to CalGrant.  Currently, at SLHS, the information necessary is electronically transferred to the California Department of Education, so there is actually no application that students need to fill out.
     
    The San Leandro Scholarship Foundation also provides an application process for a multitude of local scholarships funded by private donors, local businesses, and other civic organizations.  Information is available in the SLHS Counseling Office and on the San Leandro High School (SLHS -- https://www.sanleandro.k12.ca.us/domain/678).  You can also ask the Counseling Department Secretary there for further information.
     
    There are many websites that offer links to different private scholarships in the state and around the country.
    Websites:  Please see links on my Welcome Page.