Many families worry about how to pay for education after high school. This concern is very understandable but should not keep you or your student from pursuing post-secondary education. Please speak to your school’s College and Career Advisor.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This form allows students to request federal grants, work-study, and loans, all in one application. Many free, virtual workshops exist to help your student complete the FAFSA. To learn about our upcoming FAFSA Workshops, Click Here. You are also encouraged to visit REACH Manatee partner UnidosNow or contact your high school.

GRANTS

There are various grant programs available for students. These types of programs are not loans and do not have to be repaid.

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary institutions. This is not a loan that you must repay–it is free money for college. Each year, millions of dollars are left on the table in our community. To find out more, visit Home | U.S. Department of Education

SCHOLARSHIPS

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school and/or provide scholarship information. This kind of aid is often based on academic merit, study, or other specific area of interest. There are many scholarship opportunities available locally and nationally.

• Manatee Education Foundation Scholarships The Scholarship Source – Manatee Education Foundation
• Manatee Community Foundation Scholarships Apply for a MCF Scholarship – Manatee Community Foundation
• UnidosNOW Scholarships Scholarships — UnidosNow

BRIGHT FUTURES

Together with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), the Florida Lottery has helped over 1 million scholars and counting receive a postsecondary education through the Bright Futures Scholarship program. More information can be found at Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program