The Georgia Apply to College initiative is a statewide campaign to provide all Georgia high school seniors with the opportunity to apply to college, providing additional assistance to first-generation college applicants and underrepresented students as they navigate the application process.

Across the district, Gwinnett high schools are conducting special events to help our seniors complete online applications. During the November college-going campaign, more than 250 Georgia colleges and universities waive application fees for high school seniors applying for enrollment for Fall 2023.

As high school students make their postsecondary plans, they have access to lots of great resources, including the Georgia Futures website and resources from College Board and ACT. GCPS students also have “The Choice Book,” a high school planning guide, including key information to help students determine their four-year plan, details on state and local promotion and graduation requirements, the HOPE Scholarship program, other learning opportunities, and postsecondary planning. 

On the district website, look for helpful tips in the Education Tips for Parents section, including:

• How to make it through the college admissions process
• How to make the most of your college visit
• Questions to ask during the college search

Seniors, don’t forget to apply for scholarships!

Remind the high school seniors in your life to put scholarship applications on the to-do list!

The GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc., is accepting applications from members of the GCPS Class of 2023 through Dec. 5. 

The school Counseling Office is a great source of information as your student looks for scholarship opportunities that take into account his or her circumstances and strengths. Some scholarships reward academic achievement, community service, student leadership, or a specific interest or talent. Others focus on students who have overcome challenges or improved after a poor academic start.

Your student may not be a senior, but it’s never too early to create a college-going culture at home. Whether it’s a four-year research university, a small liberal-arts college, or a technical college or certificate program, additional education and training after high school graduation are a must for young people entering the workforce. Here are some tips for helping your student make connections between postsecondary study and future careers:

• Set clear expectations of attending college or pursuing additional postsecondary training by instilling the idea that learning does not end with high school.
• Demonstrate that you are a lifelong learner yourself.
• Encourage your child to take challenging classes and flex his or her academic muscles.
• Attend college events, such as sporting or cultural activities, at local campuses or your own alma mater.
• Discuss postsecondary options… Community, technical, two- and four-year, colleges and universities, public, and private.
• Encourage your child’s aspirations and talents, and provide opportunities to pursue their interests.
• Research together what postsecondary paths lead to future careers that interest your student.

ICYMI…FAFSA Opened Oct. 1

The 2023–24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available for new and returning students who plan to attend college between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Colleges use the FAFSA in determining financial aid packages for admitted students. Students and their families should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible, and submit the form online, via a smartphone, or by mail. To assist families in the process, the U.S. Department of Education has been sharing tips on Twitter @FAFSA, including “7 Things You Need Before Filling Out the FAFSA Form” and “8 Easy Steps for Parents Completing the FAFSA Form.” Online, find grade-specific checklists, a Federal Student Aid Calculator, and FAQs. If you have additional questions, just ask Aidan, the financial aid virtual assistant. You’ll find him on the bottom right of the StudentAid.gov web page.