Tales from the Field: Post-Secondary Preparations and the FAFSA
- NYSTEACHs.org
- Jan 2, 2024
- 1 min read
As we approach the end second half of the school year, the next couple of months may feel sped up as program planning for next year and senior exit surveys begin. On the NYSTEACHS helpline, we received a call from a first-year school counselor who is also the McKinney Vento Liaison. This is their first year in the role and they were wondering if they should be completing anything specific with their seniors who are McKinney-Vento designated. They were also wondering if they are required to write a determination letter for the seniors who applied to college. They are aware of the delay in this year’s FAFSA and want to prepare to help any students who may be McKinney-Vento eligible through the application process. Additionally, they were wondering what resources could be shared to help aid the discussion on post-secondary planning for students who are McKinney-Vento and did not apply or have shared any plans after high school.
Resources:
Questions to consider:
With current delays, how can McKinney Vento liaisons prepare to assist students when completing the FAFSA application?
What is a determination letter, and do McKinney Vento liaisons need to write one for seniors?
How can liaisons and other staff such as school counselors and social workers approach the conversation about post-secondary education plans?
Answers:
With current delays, how can McKinney Vento liaisons prepare to assist students when completing the FAFSA application?
With the new FAFSA changes, it is important to be proactive and prepared to help students who are experiencing homelessness with the application. An important step in assisting students is identification. Identification is key in ensuring that students receive the proper services, resources, and information. Sharing information on the McKinney-Vento Act through outreach materials and overall student check-ins is important. Following up with students who may be in their current senior year and were previously McKinney-Vento is also important to see if they need assistance during this process. Liaisons and counselors may also prepare by continuing to follow information released on new changes. Additionally, beginning to write and prepare determination letters for students is also a way to be proactive. Lastly, helping students or parents create an FSA ID is a way to prepare so that when the application opens students can complete it as soon as possible.
For more information: 2024-2025 FAFSA Delayed: What You Need to Know
2. What is a determination letter, and do McKinney Vento liaisons need to write one for seniors?
If a student was experiencing homelessness on or after July 1st of the year specified on the FAFSA they will be required to provide a determination letter by one of the following:
A McKinney Vento Liaison or designee
Director or designee of a director of a program or shelter that serves individuals experiencing homelessness.
Director or designee of a director of a TRIO or GEAR UP program.
Financial aid administrator at current institution or another institution who previously made a determination.
Financial Aid for Youth Who are Homeless (or At Risk of Homelessness) and On Their Own
McKinney-Vento liaisons, or another member of the school (school counselor, social worker, administrator, etc.) who knows the student and their situation well may write a determination letter for them. McKinney-Vento liaisons should prepare letters for seniors to assist in the college process and FAFSA applications. Ensuring that McKinney-Vento students applying to colleges have all the documentation required by financial aid offices will allow for an easier transition during this process. Sample determination letters can be found here - Sample Form Letters to Determine the Independent Student Status of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
3. How can liaisons and other staff such as school counselors and social workers approach the conversation about post-secondary education plans?
Having a conversation about post-secondary education plans may be difficult for students in general, especially for teens who may not have a plan post-high school. For students experiencing temporary housing, post-secondary plans may be a challenging topic to discuss with their current housing situation being uncertain. When discussing post-secondary plans for students that may be McKinney-Vento, it is important to follow a trauma-sensitive approach. Exposing students to other alternatives that are not necessarily college is also important. This could be done through trade school fairs, job fairs, resume workshops, 2-year certification programs. Completing vocational assessments to find student interest is also key. Sharing with students information on local community resources and connecting with community businesses may also be a way to connect students who may not be on the college track. Allowing students to feel empowered over their future is important during this time as they transition to life after high school.
Comments