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February 2024 Bulletin

In this bulletin you’ll find:

  • Information about the program’s new application portal
  • A discussion of the issues surrounding the new FAFSA process
  • Advice for transferring to a four-year school
  • Advice on choosing the right career for you
  • Add more

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Coming December 1st: FAFSA Changes for All Students

In 2021, Congress passed legislation to address issues related to FAFSA accessibility, the total amount that could be borrowed through student loans, and to standardize the financial aid terminology used by colleges. These changes are being implemented on a year-by-year basis. 

Last year, the most notable change was the removal of a penalty for “over borrowing” that caused some students’ loans to be changed from Subsidized to Unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue any interest until after the student graduates. Unsubsidized loans start accruing interest immediately after being borrowed. This change is a huge help to those families that rely on subsidized loans. 

While changes in previous years affected only specific students, this year some of the changes will impact everyone who is using FAFSA — which all college students should fill out.  

Most notably, the opening date for FAFSA has moved from October 1 to December 1. This change may give the impression that it is OK to wait and fill out the FAFSA form. DO NOT DO THAT. Fill out the FAFSA as early as possible, because some of the funding is on a first-come-first-served basis. (Don’t worry if you’re a little late, none of it will run out in the first few weeks.)

“Tuition and fees,” which once covered everything besides room and board, will now refer only to tuition and fees directly related to courses, like lab fees. All other fees will be moved into a new category called “book, course materials, supplies, and equipment” and most importantly for families, for the first time this category will have its own funding. 

Student transportation expenses are now taken into consideration by FAFSA when calculating need, and colleges can give some funding for transportation between campus, a student’s home, and most notably a student’s place of work.

Colleges are no longer allowed to charge an extra loan fee for non-federal loans. Federal loans were already exempt from these fees.

There is increased funding for students who are working toward obtaining a license, certification or professional credential.

If you have questions about these changes, or any other college financial aid–related issues whether you’re an Inspired Pathways recipient or not, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Some students, like Addison Hoermann, took advantage of our financial aid counseling and received much more compensation than she was expecting.

To  receive financial aid counseling, sign up for a one-on-one meeting with a member of the Inspired Pathways team or reach out to our director Nate Lockett through our website.

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November 2023 Bulletin

In this bulletin you’ll find:

  • Advice for juniors
  • Ways to prepare for the SAT & ACT
  • How Pathways is making college more attainable for students
  • The keys to the community college application process
  • And more!

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September 2023 Newsletter

In this issue you’ll find:

  • Financial aid tips & tricks
  • Study tips to help you in high-school and beyond
  • What they don’t tell you about four-year college price tags
  • A message from Hormel Inspired Pathways board member Jim Sheehan.
  • And more!

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April 2023 Newsletter

In this issue you’ll find:

  • An interview with a Pathways family from our first graduating class
  • Tips to help your high school graduate transition to college
  • Why this summer is pivotal for rising seniors
  • How to make the most out of our upcoming college visits
  • And more!

Read the latest newsletters.

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January 2023 Newsletter

In this issue you’ll find:

  • A conversation with the Inspired Pathways Director Nate Lockett.
  • Academic Planning Advice to help in your college prep.
  • Transferring to a 4-Year College: What you need to know.
  • Choosing the Right Career For You: What you should consider.
  • And more!

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September 2022 Newsletter

In this issue you’ll find:

  • An interview with Tidewater Community College about our new collaborative efforts.
  • Study tips from the Hormel Inspired Pathways program director.
  • Important dates too keep an eye on for the rest of the year
  • Advice on how to write a great college essay
  • And more!
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June 2022 Newsletter

In our final newsletter of the 2021 / 2022 academic year our team shares some incredible triumphs, information to help rising seniors get ready for college and more.

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February 2022

As we inch closer and closer towards graduation season, I wanted to share the second edition of our Inspired Pathways Newsletter with you in hopes of providing additional insights on how to maximize your community college experience. This edition includes:

  • A check-in with a parent of one of the inaugural scholarship recipients
  • Tips for transferring from community college to a 4-year school upon graduation
  • Highlighting national recognition that the Inspired Pathways program is receiving
  • And more!

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November 2021 Newsletter