January marks a time for new beginnings, journeys and goals. It also marks a favorite time of year when the GUIDE, Inc. and Georgia Teen Institute Staff are flooded with requests to fill out letters of recommendation for college, scholarships, grants and awards for students across the state of Georgia. We love these moments! It is such a great reflection upon the youth in our state that work hard to reach their ultimate goals.
Although we are only just a piece of the puzzle when it comes to college prep and career planning, it is important to know that it is never too early, or too late, to start. Below are some helpful links and resources that can help navigate the world of career and college planning, including the financial and long-term benefits of planning now. Share these with the youth you engage with!
- GAfutures has a wealth of information for every audience, including students, parents and educators. It also provides the latest information on the HOPE Scholarship Program that has gone through some recent changes.
- Federal Student Aid provides excellent checklists for academic and, maybe even just as important, financial success. They have broken the lists down by age – even as early as elementary school!
- Though there is a fee associated with Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, it is a one-stop shop to finding scholarships, grants and fellowships for anyone seeking out funding assistance. Just think, a one-month $20 subscription could bring in enough money to pay for college.
- My Next Move provides tools and resources that can help with career planning depending on the student’s interests. Students can even take a quiz to see what their interests are and how they relate to the world of work.
- Among other resources, Gear Up Oregon has put together a comprehensive set of GUIDElines to help create an environment for success!
- The College Board is another excellent resource where students can register and take practice tests for the SAT, search for colleges across the nation, find financial aid information and create a step-by-step college plan.
It is never too late for youth to begin researching and planning their college and career path. Talk to youth about taking the time to invest in their future! Do you know of any other helpful resources? If so, please share them with us!