How can I support someone looking to complete a Four-Year Academic Degree?

We encourage all young people to apply to college as they are considering their next step forward. Two or four-year colleges and universities are both great opportunities for continuing education, four year options generally offer more options for fields of study, while community colleges provide the opportunity to earn an associate's degrees or certificate which can help define a career path.

Guiding Questions

1. Have you scheduled a College/University Tour or spoken with Representatives?
   • Link to doc about scheduling tours and speaking with college/university representatives. Please use the document to support your planning and maximize your college/university visit.
2. Have you completed a College Application? If yes, where have you applied?
   • Link to doc about completing a college application. Please use this document to support your college application process.
3. Have you completed the FAFSA®?
   • Link to doc about FAFSA® completion. Please use this document FAFSA® to complete the form. The deadline is March 1st, but a lot of information is required so plan ahead!
4. Have you applied for Scholarships? If yes, which scholarships?
   • Link to doc about scholarships options. Please use this document to research and apply for scholarships.
5. Is test preparation needed? If yes, for which college entrance test?
   
   

Resources 

Completing the FAFSA® Form

• Step 1: Create Your Own FAFSA ID

You will create a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. Your parent/guardian will need to create their own FSA ID as well. If caregivers are unwilling to provide their tax information, please connect with the financial aid officer at the choice school to get guidance.

• Step 2: Fill Out The FAFSA® Form!

This website will take you to the form itself; the following document will provide you with resources to aid in filling out your FAFSA® and clear any confusion. 

• Your Future FAFSA® Guide Form

This guide will help you create your ID, login and access the form, and guide you through actually inputting information such as your parents’ information, financial information, and listing your colleges and universities. It also details what to do after completing the form and how undocumented students should approach this process as well. 

• Your Future FAFSA® Tracker Form

This tracker feature on the Form Your Future platform allows you to track your progress in completing the FAFSA® form; this tool will hold you accountable and map out what you have done along with what you need to complete.

Filling out the FAFSA® can happen in the following Thread spaces:

• Independently with your Thread Family.
• PHS threadHOURS 3-6 pm Wednesdays at TouchPoint
• Schedule time for help completing the FAFSA, just schedule time in advance with us to fill out the FAFSA
• FAFSA Virtual Help Session Office Hours:  Beginning Thursdays Feb 3rd from 4pm to 5pm.  Here is the zoom link 

If there are questions please reach out to Quincy at quincy.jones@thread.org

Maryland College and University Applications

If a Maryland school you want to apply to does not utilize the Common Application, their application can be found here. In the instance, a Thread young person is considering transfer options, please use ARTSY to guide the conversation. ARTSYS is intended to aid the transfer of students from Maryland community colleges to the University System of Maryland institutions and other participating institutions.

Schedule an appointment ONLY if Thread young person, transfer students or Thread Family is unable to attend threadTALK, PHS threadHOURS and support spaces, then please schedule time with us to fill out the FAFSA®.