With the end of the semester fast approaching, it is now time for students to apply for the FAFSA and scholarships, and TRiO is planning on helping those students. Academic Specialist Rachel Jank knows that the FAFSA situation can be extremely stressful and challenging for a number of students, which is why the Student Support Service (SSS) is ready to help those students.
“Each year, the TRiO grant allows our program, Student Support Service, to give grant aid [scholarships] to TRiO students who are Pell-eligible and enrolled and active in the program,” Jank said. “For many in our SSS program, there is no option to attend college without federal aid. Though there is much in the FAFSA situation we can’t control, I am advising students to focus on things they can control, like budgeting for the summer, saving money for next semester’s bill, and applying for scholarships.”
Nearly every college increases its tuition yearly, and Doane isn’t much different, which means doing more work to fill in the gaps for many students. Although this is very challenging for students to do, they aren’t the only ones trying to find a solution.
“Staff in the Financial Aid Office and Student Accounts can help students come up with a game plan,” Jank said. “TRiO students should contact their TRiO specialist to talk about finances, too. TRiO Director, Beth Jacobson, sent emails and texts to many TRiO-eligible students who haven’t enrolled.”
Although many students would find it difficult to talk about their financial situations when it comes to college, Jank along with many other faculty members are here to help.
“Even if they don’t know the answer, they can help you connect with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, or TRiO,” Jank said. “There are so many people on this campus who care deeply about student financial well-being and who recognize how much finances can impact educational progress. We know college is expensive, but financial stress doesn’t need to become a financial crisis.”
If you or someone you know needs help with FAFSA, scholarships or any other financial needs, you can contact Jank at rachel.jank@doane.edu or go visit her office in the Academic Success Center.
