1. Life After High School: Day 1
Understand the long-term impact of student loans.

2. Day 1 Timeline Warm-up: Warm-up: 5 min. Video 1.1: 10 min.
Be Ware and Be Wise Activity: 30 min.
Small Groups
Computer
What are some consequences of taking on student loan debt?

3. Beware and Be Wise
Read “A MESSAGE FROM DAVE” located in Chapter 5, Section 1. Discuss Dave’s warning about the long-term effects of student loan debt. Also, read the following case studies, located in Chapter 5:
“THIS DEBT HAS RUINED RELATIONSHIPS.” (Section 1)
“I REGRET GOING TO COLLEGE WHEN AND HOW I DID.” (Section 2)
Design a powerpoint to inform teens about the long-term effects of student loan debt and to persuade them to avoid financing their college education altogether.
Your poster must include:
1 Based on the case studies, highlight some of the things these former students had to sacrifice in order to pay back their student loans.
2 Research online to find two additional examples of how student loan debt has impacted the lives of former students.
3 Provide a challenge to an opposing claim regarding student loans.
4 Create a graph on the topic of student loan debt with explanation.
5 Include sources of information in MLA format.
Other things to consider:
Dave compares student loan debt to a “monster in your closet.” What does he mean by that? What are some of the sacrifices former students in your case studies have had to make in order to repay their student loan debt?
Remember, the purpose of this poster is to grab your peers’ attention and clearly express the dangers of student loan debt. Be creative!

4. Life After High School: Day 2
Understand the long-term impact of student loans.

5. Day 2: Timeline Warm-up: Warm-up: 5 min. Video 2.1: 5 min.
Key Terms: 10 min.
The Student Loan Myth Activity: 30 min.
Computers
What are some things you can do to cash-flow your college education?
Plan ahead, get good grades, shop around, fill out the FAFSA, research grants and scholarships, get a job, have an emergency fund and live on a budget, consider attending a college close to home.

6. Key Terms
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A form that is completed annually by current and prospective college students to determine their eligibility for financial aid
Grant: A form of federal or state financial aid that does not need to be repaid; usually given to students who demonstrate financial need
Scholarship: A form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid; usually awarded on the basis of academic, athletic or other achievements
Work study: A program that allows students to work part time while continuing their studies

7. Write a persuasive essay to someone who believes they must take out a student loan in order to attend college.
Your persuasive essay will include the following five paragraphs:
Introductory paragraph: Provide a clear statement of your position in the topic sentence. Give two clear arguments that support this position.
Two supporting paragraphs: Each argument stated above should be covered in a separate paragraph.
Support each paragraph with specific examples, facts and reasoning.
One paragraph stating the opposite viewpoint: Use an opposing statement and then refute it. For example, you might say, “One could argue that (state opposite viewpoint), but I believe that (state your viewpoint).”
Closing paragraph: Restate the position. Reaffirm the most compelling argument. Do not introduce new arguments in the conclusion.

8. Life After High School: Day 3
Develop a plan to attend college without acquiring debt.
Demonstrate how to apply for financial aid.

9. Day 3: Timeline Warm-up: Warm-up: 5 min. Video 3.1: 10 min.
Case Study: Ethan and College Expenses: 20 min.
Small Groups
Inequality for All: 10 min.
Explain how acquiring debt is like stealing from your future.

10. Life After High School: Day 4
Identify the educational requirements, training and cost for your career of choice.
Analyze post-high school education and career training options.

11. Day 4: Timeline Warm-up: Warm-up: 5 min. Video 4.1: 10 min.
Cost of Living Calculator Activity: 20 min.
Computers
Partners
What stuck?
Inequality for All: 20 min.
How can living on a budget and having an emergency fund help you avoid debt?

12. Life After High School: Day 5
Assess student learning through a test.

13. Day 5: Timeline Warm-up: Warm-up: 5 min. Chapter 5 Test: 30 min.
Inequality for All: 20 min.
What are some education alternatives to a four-year university?