Helping You Help Your Students Nelnet College Planning Presented by Becky Richardson
Objectives Overview of Nelnet College Planning history Resources Creative strategies
Who is Nelnet? Began in the student lending industry Today is one of the leading educational planning and finance companies Offers innovative products and services to secondary and post-secondary schools Peterson’s FACTS Dynamic Forms
What is College Planning? Goal is to educate students and their families on every step throughout the college journey Comprehensive college planning program –Web based tools –Personal service FREE
What is College Planning? Began 2003 – FL, GA, NY, CO, IL Currently services – FL, GA, NY, CO, NE, AL, MS, TN, CA, IN, IL, NM, PA, NV, WA, OR Approximately 8,000 students in GA
Web based tools Scholarship search engine College search Best College Deals –Comparison tool ACT/SAT test prep Career assessment test Financial Aid 101 Video library Planning & budget calculators
Scholarships GA State Scholarship – 6 $1,000 scholarships awarded to GA high school seniors. 2 $2000 Grand Prize scholarships. Students only need to register online National Scholarship –$1,000 weekly scholarship given away each week from September through March GA Movie Theatre Scholarship –1 $5,000 scholarship awarded to GA high school senior who registered at selected theatre in December
Personal service Call Center –Counselors have on average 3-5 years financial aid experience –Assistance with FAFSA, award letters, financial aid questions Available 24/
Newsletters Monthly for parents & students –STUDENT: How to write scholarship essays, choosing the right school, ACT vs. SAT, internet safety, identity theft issues –PARENT: Tips for keeping your child on track, helping your child select the right major/career, FAFSA & financial aid Every other month counselor –Getting colleges to visit your school, how to increase attendance at financial aid nights and other workshops, writing letters of recommendations, financial aid updates
Literature Core pieces –College Prep for Seniors –Next Step (9 th – 11 th ) –What Are You Worth –Junior/Senior Checklist Folder –Scholarship flier No Costs Annual mailer
Ideas anyone?? 9 th & 10 th grade – start early –College Tours –Career Day – Local businesses –Homework assignment/extra credit 10 th grade –Lab work – Jump Start Program –Mentor program Seniors helping younger students
Ideas anyone?? 11 th & 12 th grade –Alumni speaker (successes, what to expect) –College Night –Financial Aid Night (alternative times) –Scholarship Booklet –Workshops Essay writing, Application Night Get clubs involved
Contact Information Becky Richardson Office Fax
Questions?