Event Recap: Navigating Financial Aid

On September 27, one of our Work Study students, Al Shahbain, hosted an engaging Financial Aid Information Event. His intent was to inform other students about benefits they might not have been familiar with in order to navigate the complexity of college funding. Students gathered at the Chez Veterans Center while David Olaya, the guest speaker, Office Assistant at the Office of Financial Aid, and a fellow student Veteran, discussed the various financial aid options available. This included scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits.

A presenter in a sweatshirt points to a projected slide titled 'Funding Your Education' during a workshop or classroom presentation. The slide shows a table outlining the criteria for satisfactory academic progress, including completed and attempted hours for the fall and spring semesters. In the background, a whiteboard with a list of discussion prompts is visible

First, pizza was ordered, and students did an ice breaker, fostering a strong sense of community. Then, David went into detail about ways to utilize your financial aid, as well as how financial aid is determined for students depending on their unique circumstances. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, creating a lively discussion. David was extremely helpful and took the time to show specific websites for determining aid and costs of attendance.

A classroom setting where a presenter stands at a podium, leading a session in front of a projected screen displaying a document. Four students sit at spaced-out desks, facing the presenter, with notebooks and laptops on the tables. A pizza box and paper plates are on one of the desks near the front. The room is brightly lit with windows along the side, and a whiteboard is visible in the background.

Overall, this event was wonderful! We’re so grateful to everyone who attended, and we hope that you were able to take something away from this workshop. Stay tuned for more Work Study events!

Article written by: Baileigh Hannah