1. 2019 College Savings Account/Match (9th graders) Application Process Overview

2. College Savings Account/Match – 9th graders
Up to 500 9th graders will be selected to have a 529 college savings account opened for them with a $50 deposit
At least 50 of those students will be selected for the College Savings Match and Incentives program:
Students can earn up to $7,000
4:1 match on college savings, not to exceed $5,000
Additionally, up to $2,000 available to students who achieve college-ready milestones during high school
Match and incentive funds paid directly to the college

3. Who can apply for the College Savings Account/Match program?
Current 9th grader
Be home-schooled or attend a public, charter, or private high school in six-county service area:
Kansas—Wyandotte and Johnson
Missouri—Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte
A U.S. citizen or resident alien with a verified permanent U.S. address and valid Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number
Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in first semester of 9th grade
Low- and modest-income—expected family contribution of ≤ 12,000 (on FAFSA4caster calculation)

4. 529 College Savings Account
An investment account that is used for savings for college
KC Scholars works with the Missouri MOST and Kansas Learning Quest programs
Once selected as a KC Scholar, the KC Scholar and their designated account owner will receive information about and be required to attend a mandatory orientation session scheduled in June 2019.
529 college savings account will be opened at the orientation.
-investment savings plan specifically for college
-MOST 529 plan in Missouri and the Learning Quest plan in Kansas

6. Advising Support – During High School
Full-time college advisers:
Advise students in the high school (office located in the high school) or
Advise students both virtually and in-person (office located at KC Scholars offices)
Assist students (and families):
Navigate the process of applying for admission and financial aid
Work with students to find their best-fit college/university

7. How to Apply

13. See next slides for overview of the FAFSA4caster

14. FAFSA4caster Helpful Hints & Tips:
1. You will need the following information to complete the FAFSA4caster:
For Student:
Birthday
Citizenship status
Marital status
Amount of money earned from work in 2017
Amount of assets, including investments/real estate, businesses, and/or investment farms in 2017
For Parent(s):
Age
Household size
2017 Adjusted gross income

15. FAFSA4caster Helpful Hints & Tips:
2. For the question asking about grade level when student begins college, select the answer “Never Attended/1st Year”.
3. For the question regarding the number of household members that will be enrolled in college when the KC Scholars applicant will be enrolled in college:
Include KC Scholars applicant and dependents in the parent(s)’ household who will be enrolled in college while the KC Scholars applicant would be enrolled in college
DO NOT include parent(s)
4. After entering student’s and parent(s)’ adjusted gross income, a small box will appear underneath it. You MUST check this box to enter the correct amount for each specific asset category.
DO NOT include the house that you live in and/or the farm you live on as “investments/real estate”.
DO NOT include retirement accounts (401ks, IRAs, etc.)

16. FAFSA4caster Helpful Hints & Tips:
5. After clicking, “Submit” you will be taken to a second page with your projected federal aid award. For the purposes of the KC Scholars application,
DO NOT enter or change any of the information on this page.
Scroll down and click “CALCULATE”
Your EFC will appear
6. Write down your EFC, exit the FAFSA4caster, and enter that number into your KC Scholars application.
7. A full guide on completing the FAFSA4caster can be found in “2019 Application Materials” on the KC Scholars website at

17. If you are eligible, you will see your tasks:

19. Mark Your Calendars!
January 1, Applications opened at kcscholars.org
March 1, Application deadline at 12 midnight
May Awards announced