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While the thought of having to pay for college can be quite overwhelming, it can be done. Learning about various options<\/a> and resources available to you will help you formulate a plan and be better prepared.<\/p>\n Financial aid comes in many forms\u2014grants and scholarships, which you don\u2019t have to repay, and loans, which you do have to repay. There is need-based aid for students who come from lower-income families and merit-based aid for students who excel in athletics, drama, debate, instrumental music, community service, and many other areas.<\/p>\n Financial aid comes from a number of sources: the federal government, state government, the college or university itself, a parent\u2019s employer, and many other organizations. When students take the time to discover all of the possibilities, they can be surprised at what offers for aid they may receive. Talk to your child\u2019s guidance counselor and start investigating early!<\/p>\n If you adopted a child from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) after December 31, 2004, he or she may be eligible for financial assistance if they plan to attend an accredited college, university, or institution of higher learning upon completion of high school. Check out the link to DCF in the Learn More section for further information.<\/p>\n College Choices For Adopted Teens<\/a><\/strong> This article explores the unique challenges that adoptees face when making post-secondary decisions and how parents and caregivers can best support them during this crucial time in their young-adult lives.<\/p>\n American Savings Foundation<\/strong><\/a> College Navigator<\/strong><\/a> Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF)<\/strong><\/a> Financial Aid Finder<\/strong><\/a> Foster Care to Success<\/strong><\/a> Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/strong><\/a> Hartford Foundation for Public Giving<\/strong> <\/a>Learn More<\/h2>\n
Featured Reading<\/h3>\n
\nPublished by Debbie Riley, LCMFT and Ellen Singer, LCMFT of The Center for Adoption Support and Education<\/a> (C.A.S.E), 2018<\/em><\/p>\nArticles and Websites<\/h3>\n
\nProvides links to scholarship, financial, and test prep resources.<\/p>\n
\nProvided by the U.S. Department of Education, this site provides a wealth of information for students and families about colleges. It helps students identify schools by specific search criteria, compare favorites, and more.<\/p>\n
\nThe Office of Foster Care and Adoption Services provides information on services available to families who have adopted children from DCF care, including financial assistance for secondary education.<\/p>\n
\nProvides information on scholarships, grants, student loans, and more.<\/p>\n
\nEach year, Foster Care to Success awards millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to more than 3,500 students in all 50 states and serves thousands more youth who are still in high school and just starting the college application process.<\/p>\n
\nFederal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Federal Student Aid is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grants, loans, and work-study funds to students attending college or career school.<\/p>\n
\nProvides a directory to inform families about the many college scholarships that are available primarily for Greater Hartford area students.<\/p>\n