1. 8 th Grade PEP Post-Secondary & Financial Planning

2. Overview 1.Introduce post-secondary options relevant to career interests 2.Complete Colorado Reality Check activity 3.Explore college costs 4.Introduce financial aid vocabulary

3. 6 Post-Secondary Options http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4SG2i1iMBs o What were the 6 different options presented in the video? o Can you think of any additional options they may have forgot? Complete the Education Level portion of your handout. o (Remember, you cannot go into a Master’s or Professional Degree program directly after high school. However, because earning one of these degrees may be your long-term goal, it is included as an option.)

4. Go to http://www.coloradorealitycheck.com http://www.coloradorealitycheck.com Click 1 – Reality Check

5. Colorado Reality Check Click the location where you want to live

6. Colorado Reality Check Use your handout to guide you as you click through each category and select the options you want: o Housing o Utilities o Food o Transportation o Clothing o Health Care o Personal o Entertainment o Miscellaneous o Savings o Student loan debt After each category, click next to view the next category of options.

7. View Your Results 1. Record the “Annual Salary Needed” on the bottom of your worksheet 2. Click the arrow to find occupations that match your annual salary

8. Select Education & Cluster Goal Click “Get Careers” Select your education goal and Career Cluster Record your Cluster selection on your handout

9. Explore Career Results Click into various careers to learn more. Record your top career results, along with salary and other information, at the bottom of your handout.

10. College Costs & Financial Planning Yes, college and career training costs money! However, 2 key reasons why the “price tag” should NOT stop you from getting an education 1.You will most likely receive financial aid 2.It will pay off for the rest of your life

11. Financial Aid Each year, billions of dollars are made available to students Example $29,000College cost (Metro Tuition w/out COF + books & fees) $6,000Federal grants $3,000College-based scholarship $3,000Private scholarships & DSF $7,440College Opportunity Fund Stipend $9,560Student loans (w/ no interest while in school) $0Unmet need

12. Return on Investment What’s the total value of your education after 30 years? Gain Yearly gain in salary: $53,300 - $32,552 = $20,748 per year 30 years = $622,440 Loss $32,552 you could have made - $15,000 you made instead while working part-time in college = $17,552 4 years $70,208 Plus, total cost to you (student loan amount)= $9,560 $79,768 Gain – Loss = $622,440 - $79,768 = $542,672 gain High school diploma Average salary: $32,552 Bachelor’s degree Average salary: $53,300

13. Financial Aid Terms Stipend funds that are applied toward college tuition for any eligible students who attends a Colorado public or participating private institution. Students must be 13 years old to apply. What is? ________________________________? In order to receive any federal financial aid, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, if eligible. Filling out a this form is the first step in the financial aid process. The application must be completed after January 1 st each year prior to enrolling in college. What is _________________? FAFSA College Opportunity Fund (COF) Options: Scholarships, Grants, Work study, FAFSA, Loans, College Opportunity Fund

14. Financial Aid Terms Money awarded for education according to financial need. This money does not have to be repaid. What is _________________? Money awarded for education that must be paid back with interest. What is _________________? Money awarded to students based on grades, talents extracurricular achievement, or financial need. Students must search out and apply for these funds. This money does not have to be repaid. What is __________________? Job that helps you earn money to pay for college. What is __________________? Loans Scholarships Grants Options: Scholarships, Grants, Work study, FAFSA, Loans, College Opportunity Fund Work-study

15. Financial Planning NOW Work with a parent and/or guardians to estimate your financial aid using the FAFSA4caster. o https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/f4cForm?execution=e1s1 https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/f4cForm?execution=e1s1 Put away a portion of your birthday and/or work money to begin saving for college. Get good grades and get involved. Start a list of your awards, honors, and extracurricular activities to help you apply for scholarships. Apply for the College Opportunity Fund. o http://cof.college-assist.org http://cof.college-assist.org