News

Jane Amour

According to the Alabama Possible website, Alabama high school students are encouraged complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Cash for College program. The site states that, “FAFSA is required for any student seeking federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans in all colleges. According to the US Department of Education, 9 out of 10 students who complete a FAFSA attend college the following fall.” Many Alabama students qualify for Pell Grants of up to $5,920 per year. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. The Alabama Possible program teaches students about the educational and career options they have, and leverages the benefits of the FAFSA program.

The Cash for College program through Alabama Possible is like having a student orientation even before setting foot on campus. Students learn about college life from meal plans to teacher apps. They also learn what is required for job search post-graduation, like writing a resume and thank you letter, as well as interview skills, as part of job preparation activities.

Any students wishing to complete the FAFSA can do so. However, Cash for College teaches students about college choice, proceeding confidently by understanding the reality of college, and job preparation, and.  It instructs students on completion of the FAFSA. Funding through FAFSA can sometimes be the difference maker in a student’s choice on whether or not to attend college.

Jane Amour, a recent high school graduate, will begin attending Auburn University in the Fall 2017 semester, studying Chemical Engineering with a Pre-Med specialization. She is most interested in helping people through her work. She sees herself as a doctor assisting children with special needs. She was a teacher’s assistant in a special education classroom while in high school. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life,” Jane says, “I miss the kids.” This career path will allow her to study topics in which she’s very interested, chemistry and math, to pursue her dream to be a doctor.

Jane learned about Cash for College in her ACT prep class. One of the high school counselors started promoting the program. Not only did Jane benefit from the program, but one of her friends was able to go to her “dream school,” the University of Alabama, because of the program.

Describing the benefits of the Cash for College program, Jane stated, “It is a learning process. You learn about what college costs, how to use FAFSA, and you’re introduced to the real world when you’re in high school.” She took an interest inventory, which she found helpful in confirming what she thought would be a great career choice. Jane found that the inventory confirmed that her major should center on math, science, and medical science. She also learned about all of the in-state options for attending college.

Jane cites having a mentor from the University of Alabama was one of the most impactful aspects of Cash for College. One mentor assists four to five students, so there is an excellent ratio allowing for personal attention. “I loved having a mentor who was 2 years older than me that I could relate to," Jane said. “She was amazing.”

Jane shares advice for students thinking about this program or for parents who may be unsure about completing the FAFSA, saying, “Taking Cash for College really prepares a student for the reality of college. It makes it very real. My parents were all over it, saying, ‘We’re going to do the FAFSA and get this done.’ You could get money from this. Kids do benefit and it helps them become an adult. It helps kids learn to do things on their own. If I want to go to college and make money, I need to fill out the FAFSA.”

For more information, contact Ashleigh Staples, Alabama Possible21, Statewide Initiatives Coordinator, (205) 939-1408, or visit www.alabamapossible.org.