IRS Data Retrieval Tool Offline Until Start of Next FAFSA Season, in Fall 2017

The US Department of Education and the IRS announce that the FAFSA’s Data Retrieval Tool will be unavailable until the next FAFSA season: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/irs-drt-unavailable

For current students who are trying to complete their FAFSAs, the announcement stated that “The income information needed to complete the FAFSA form can be found on a previously filed tax return. (Remember: Both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 FAFSA forms require your 2015 tax data.) If you don’t have a copy of your tax return, you may be able to access the tax software used to prepare the return or contact your tax preparer to obtain a copy. You also may visit irs.gov/transcript to view and download a summary (called a “transcript”) of your tax return or to request that a tax transcript be sent to you by mail.”

New Scholarship

Just found this in my e-mails that came in over break. Sounds like an interesting scholarship offered by Best Mattress Reviews. Looks like a pretty simple application. Please pass it along to your mentees. -- Janet

We’re offering a $1,000 scholarship to eligible HS seniors, current college and graduate students in an effort to give back and also promote sleep awareness.

Check out all of the details here: https://www.bestmattressreviews.com/sleep-scholarship/

Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship

Please remind your students to apply for this generous scholarship by April 10. Good activity for Spring Break!

Oregon Promise Application, Toolkit, and Webinars

March 10, 2017
Contact: Endi Hartigan, Communications and Policy Specialist | Office: 503-378-6769 | Cell: 971-701-4032 | endi.hartigan@state.or.us
Source: Juan Baez-Arévalo, interim director of the HECC Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC)
 

Oregon Promise Application Open through July 3, Learn More at OregonStudentAid.gov   
OSAC launches a 2017 toolkit for students and counselors, including upcoming counselor webinars 
 

Eugene, Oregon  | The Higher Education Coordinating Commission Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is pleased to announce a new toolkit of informational materials to help Oregonians learn about and apply for Oregon Promise. The application for the Oregon Promise grant is open through July 3 for students who will graduate high school (or complete a GED) in spring 2017 and attend community college in fall 2017. Visit www.OregonStudentAid.gov to apply.

Oregon Promise is a state grant that covers most tuition at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates and GED® recipients. This grant is already helping thousands of students attend community college. Provided the Oregon Legislature continues funding for the program, it will be available again to Oregon students for fall 2017. Students, families, school leaders and counselors are encouraged to utilize a newly launched 2017 communications toolkit that includes the following materials:  

• Oregon Promise Video: Brief introduction to Oregon Promise for students and families.
• Flyers (for High School)(for Community College): Materials can be posted widely to encourage students to learn more and apply.
• Handout: Summary document geared toward students and families.
• Infographic: A quick visual of the program to share on social media.
• Counselor Presentation: Detailed slides for teachers and counselors who will be presenting to students and families.  
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Detailed answers to many questions on Oregon Promise eligibility criteria and the application process.

In addition, the Office of Student Access and Completion will be hosting online counselor webinars in late March. Community college advisors, high school teachers, counselors and other student support staff are encouraged to attend. Seating will be limited. Webinar dates will be announced soon; sign up for the Oregon Promise Listserv or see our website to receive timely updates.

Who is Eligible:  A student must be a recent Oregon high school graduate or GED® recipient, have at least a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA, reside in Oregon for at least 12 months prior to community college attendance, attend an Oregon community college at least half time within six months of graduating high school, and meet any other specific requirements. Students must complete the application process (see below). Visit www.OregonStudentAid.gov for full details.

What it Covers: The Oregon Promise grant helps pay for most community college tuition (up to 12 credits per term) after other state and federal grant aid has been applied. However, there are other college costs that are not fully covered by Oregon Promise such as books, fees, housing, and costs of living. Additionally, the community college automatically deducts a $50 co-pay from the Oregon Promise award each term. Eligible students whose full tuition is already covered by state or federal need-based grants can receive $1,000 toward their other expenses. Students are encouraged to explore all financial aid options to meet their goals.

How to Apply: Students must complete the Oregon Promise application. The application deadline is July 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m PDT. For early notification, students should complete their application by April 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m PDT.  Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) at OregonStudentAid.gov and list at least one Oregon community college on the FAFSA or ORSAA. The ORSAA is specifically for undocumented students, including students who have DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status.     

Get Support: If you have questions about Oregon Promise, contact info@oregonpromise.org or (541) 687-7400.

The Oregon Promise program was launched by legislation passed in 2015, and is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC). Funding for the 2017-2018 academic year is subject to Oregon Legislative approval. OSAC awards more than $80 million dollars each year in grants and privately funded scholarships to help students meet their college expenses. Learn more about all programs at www.OregonStudentAid.gov.

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The HECC Office of Student Access and Completion is committed to expanding opportunities to Oregonians to complete their higher education and career training goals through information, mentoring, and financial aid.

The HECC is dedicated to fostering and sustaining the best, most rewarding pathways to opportunity and success for all Oregonians through an accessible, affordable and coordinated network for educational achievement beyond high school. For more information, go to www.Oregon.gov/HigherEd