As FLOC’s college scholars started their winter break, 14 scholars attended the Third Annual College Night, a time where the scholars have the opportunity to share their college experiences with current high school students.

Brock Brown (freshman at University of Arizona), Brandon Whiting (freshman at St. Augustine’s College), Vanessa Thomas Canar (sophomore at Berry University), and Tiera King (a sophomore at VCU) sat on a panel where they spoke on topics such as “adjusting to college”, “how to choose the right college”, and “how they got involved in their college community”. The students and parents then split up into small round table discussions groups, a mix of high school and college students were at each table and the high school parents, college parents, and FLOC staff and board members were in another room.  Our panel and discussion groups led to great conversations about how students and parents alike can prepare for the college experience. With a turnout of 68 people this year, we look forward to making next year’s College Night even better.

Paying for college is no easy task which is why the Educational Guidance & Advocacy Program began its series of workshops on December 9th to support students and families as they learn to navigate student financial aid.  Financial Aid 101: Demystifying Financial Aid provided families with a brief overview of the financial aid process. Guest speaker, Nick Lee, Program Examiner with the White House Office of Management and Budget presented families with information about financial aid timelines and vocabulary. EG&A staff also provided critical information about DC financial aid and scholarships.