Students find college money at FAFSA labs

Shawn Butcher’s 90-minute visit to a financial aid workshop this week was almost as euphoric as winning the lottery.
The mother of three high school seniors was one of several parents who attended a FAFSA lab at Mississinewa High School. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students who want to pursue college must complete the FAFSA by March 10th. The Community Foundation of Grant County, Grant County Superintendents’ Consortium and Project Leadership partnered to host the labs, which are coming to each high school in Grant County this month. The labs are conducted by Murray & Associates: The National Center for College Costs.
The lab produced grins all around for the Butcher family.
“In half an hour I just made $16,000,” said Shawn as she completed her first FAFSA with her son Michael. “Where else can I go and make that kind of money in half an hour?”
Shawn completed online FAFSA applications for each of her three children who will be attending college next year. Thanks to the financial aid and FAFSA completion, Michael, Shawna and Amanda will be attending Lincoln Tech, Manchester College and Ivy Tech.
Based on her experience, Shawn encouraged other parents to participate in the FAFSA labs.
“It’s definitely worth taking your lunch break or personal time,” she said.
“If I don’t invest in my kids, who will?” Shawn said. “This is an investment in their future. They talk about human capital. I feel like I’ve increased the capital in my little part of the world.”
Grant County parents and students will have three more opportunities to attend labs. The high school labs will be Feb. 22 at Eastbrook; Feb. 23 at Marion; and Feb. 24 at Oak Hill. The labs are open from the start of school until 7 p.m. each of those days.
Shawn was thankful she didn’t miss the opportunity. On her way out of the Mississinewa FAFSA lab, she stopped for one last task.
Shawn, who’s pursuing her dream in a business career by attending Indiana Wesleyan University, decided to fill out her own FAFSA.

PL Page: Do YOU have what it takes to be a mentor?

No. 1: It takes an hour. There’s a lot you can do in an hour. Wash a load of clothes, make a trip to the grocery or organize your kitchen utensil drawer. But doesn’t hanging out with an inspirational Grant County high school student sound like a LOT more fun?

No. 2: You will make a difference.
A serious difference. An attendance study at one of our local high schools showed that Twenty-first Century Scholars who are mentored had a daily school attendance rate that was twice as good as those not being mentored. Mentors really do make a difference in students’ academics, behavior and life choices.

No. 3: You care. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have made it to Reason No. 3. Everyone needs encouragers in their lives — ones that come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. You’ve made some mistakes in your life and have learned from them. Now, it’s time to pass those lessons on to students who are ready to learn from you

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

6 students open up about how mentors have changed them

“Pam always encourages me to do my best, prays with me, and lets me know everything is going to be alright and boy is that a good feeling to have especially when you’re feeling down.” -Latesha

“Selena believes that I can do anything if I just put my mind to it and try my best. Because Selena challenges me, I want to try new things, go to newplaces and live life to the fullest. Selena has helped me in every aspect of mylife, she really does and acts on everything that the mentor/ mentee program stands for. Selena is more than a mentor, she is my sister and best friend.” -Taleeza

“Ginny has been helping me over the past four years. She has never given up on me. Looking back, I know I would not have graduated without her help my senior year. Even when I struggled this past year, she stood by me the whole time encouraging me to do my best.” -Olivia

“Jackie has been a part of my life and I could not ask for anyone else. I also love playing UNO with her and I will truly miss her when I go off to college, but I can always write, call and visit her when I come home from college.” -Amy

“Troy is a great guy, always there when we meet. He always brings me food and makes me laugh. He supports me in sports which means a lot to me. I know I can go to him if I need any help with anything.” -Lance

“I believe she is my guardian angel watching over me. Martha helps me when I really need help the most. She guides me in the right direction and she even challenges me to do things I did not know I could do.She believed in mewhen I didn’t think anyone did. Martha is my true hero.” -Mandy

PL Page: Leading & Succeeding!

At the end of each academic year, Project Leadership participants are invited to Taylor University’s campus for Project Leadership’s Leadership Academy and Red Rubber Ball Banquet. In the afternoon, students have the opportunity to test their leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills through activities on and around Taylor University’s Escape to Reality Challenge Course. In the evening, Project Leadership recognizes the accomplishments of its participants at the annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet.

To keep up to date on Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Make College a Reality

Dave Murray, financial aid expert and president of the National Center for CollegeCosts, will be making a special appearance in Grant County on Saturday, July16th. He will be presenting two workshops introducing parents, students andyouth workers to the State of Indiana’s new online College Costs Estimator tool.The first session will last from 9-10 a.m. and the second will last from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Both sessions will be held at Ivy Tech’s Marion campus (at Ind. 18and I-69). This event is open to the public. Please RSVP at (765) 651-0650.

Leading & Succeeding

At the end of each academic year, ProjectLeadership participants are invited to TaylorUniversity’s campus for Project Leadership’sLeadership Academy and Red Rubber BallBanquet. In the afternoon, students have theopportunity to test their leadership, teamworkand interpersonal skills through activities onand around Taylor University’s Escape toReality Challenge Course. In the evening,Project Leadership recognizes theaccomplishments of its participants atthe annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet.