At Newberg High School, the College and Career Center held its biggest and most successful Financial Aid Event on Jan. 9.
The College and Career staff typically offers an annual event on how to use your FAFSA and other resources to fund a four-year or two-year college or a trade school. But staff made extensive changes, boosting attendance from six families last year to 48 this year, a 700% increase.
There were two factors: hours and outreach. Jackson and the school counselors created a fierce outreach campaign, hand-delivering paper flyers in individual classrooms and posting humorous videos to Instagram. As for the schedule, last year’s event lasted from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., but this year’s event was a marathon, running from noon to 8:00 p.m. The change seems minor, but it had a huge impact.
The daytime hours allowed students on a lunch break or a free period to work on their FAFSA Application to fund college or trade school or to write scholarship essays, with support from multiple staff members. The large window also allowed parents and guardians with a diverse range of schedules to attend and support their kids.
“I wanted to make sure that all families had access, any families that worked different shifts or had other obligations in the evening,” Jackson said. “I want kids not to have debt and to help them. It’s better to apply for FAFSA funds now because they’re gone in June.”
Families Connected with Their Kids at the New Event
NHS Mom Lindsay Davis appreciated the long Financial Aid Event that gave her time during the day to assist her son, senior Alex Menard, in applying for college. Menard said hasn’t pursued a four-year degree yet, but she wants to help her son, a gifted drummer who intends to major in Jazz Studies at Portland State University.
“To have this spot for him to come and ask questions has been helpful,” she said.
The mother-son team finished the FAFSA application together at the event.
“I’m glad we got it done,” Menard said, moving on to creating his PSU account.
NHS Dad Erin Shannon took time off from work for the big event at lunchtime to help his daughter, senior Ava “Java” Shannon, with her FAFSA application. He was overjoyed with the experience, which made helping his daughter so easy.
“It has been phenomenal,” Erin Shannon said, “better than doing it at home. This event was a lifesaver.”
Java Shannon, who plans to major in German Studies at PSU, was relieved that the timing allowed not only the counselors but also her father by her side.
“If I have any trouble, I can ask him,” she said.
Busy Seniors Loved the Daytime Hours
After spending time on her FAFSA app with her father, Java Shannon left for work at Friendsview in the afternoon. She was not the only senior with a hectic schedule who relished having an event with daytime hours.
Madison Lenz and Samantha Sanchez are both seniors building their resumes with work experiences, and they valued additional time for their scholarship applications during lunch at school.
“It’s really helpful,” said Sanchez, a teaching cadet for the School District who intends to major in elementary education at George Fox University or Biola University in California. “Being at school makes me more productive, rather than being distracted at home.”
Lenz agreed, noting that daytime hours also benefit students with after-school jobs.
“It’s different if you work after school,” said Lenz, who interns as a machinist at A.R.E. Manufacturing Inc. in Newberg.
Lenz plans to double major in mechanical engineering and innovation management at Oregon State University.
“It also gives us time to do it during school when we’re able to focus better,” she added. ”It’s made a huge difference.”
School Counselor Michelle Kim was touched that students noticed the effort that she and her co-workers put in.
“That students are seeing that effort means a lot because we do want the best for them and for their transition to be the best possible experience,” said Kim, whose fellow school counselors include Nicki Eggiman, Angela Kantz, and Sarah Stevens.
Students and Staff Appreciate College and Career Center Team
Students lauded the College and Career team, including Jackson (also nominated as the Spotlight this week), for their hard work.
“When I first came in, I was lost,” senior Jesús Sagrero said. “But I came in and talked to Mrs. Jackson, and she was cool. I had a little notebook full of questions. I had them all written down. She has been helping me figure out how to apply and to what schools. She was telling me to take it one step at a time.”
He now plans to study mechanical engineering at Oregon State University, and he is grateful to not only Jackson but the whole team at the College and Career Center.
“They welcome you with open arms,” he said.
Jackson in particular works hard to create that atmosphere for the students, explained School Counselor Sarah Stevens.
“Janelle goes above and beyond,” School Counselor Sarah Stevens said. “The kids are lucky to have her. We all are.”