High school graduation is a milestone that we at ICAN are thrilled to celebrate each year as another class of students moves the tassel and takes their next steps into the future.
Whether you completed graduation last weekend or are in your final day and will walk across the stage over the Memorial Day weekend, we congratulate you on your success and offer these final tips for your future.
- Take it all in. No matter what your next steps are things are going to be different. Over the next days, weeks, and months before Fall, take it all in and enjoy the time with friends and family before you take your next steps. For some you may be moving out right away and beginning a career, for others you have the summer at home before heading off to college or a training program. Enjoy this time and enjoy the people around you.
- Say thank you. Be sure to take a moment and thank all those in high school and your community who helped you get where you are.
For those college-bound seniors we offer some additional tips and the reminder that as you move into your next phase of academics, ICAN's team is still here whenever you need us.
- College Orientation. Be sure to sign up for college orientation as soon as you can, and sign up for an early session if you can. Part of orientation is picking classes for your first semester - the earlier you attend the more classes you have to choose from.
- Finalize Financial Aid. If you haven't finalized your financial aid for next year, make sure to review your paperwork and connect with the college to ensure you've taken all the steps necessary. If you need help with loan paperwork or setting up your college budget, schedule an advising session with an ICAN advisor - www.icansucceed.org/apt. We can help you in-person or virtually and make sure you have all the necessary information to find success next year.
- Renew Your Financial Aid. Remember that financial aid is a one year at a time process. You have to reapply each year you enroll in college. Which means come October 1, 2021, you need to file the FAFSA again. Remember that ICAN is here to help and keep our number or website handy so you can schedule a renewal appointment with us. One of the biggest mistakes college students make after their first year is not renewing their FAFSA and losing out on aid. Don't let that happen to you!
- Still Need to File the FAFSA? If you haven't file the FAFSA yet it's NOT too late - just contact us at 877-272-4692 or visit www.icansucceed.org/apt to schedule an appointment. We can have your FAFSA filed in under and hour and have you ready to go to campus next fall.
As you head off to your next destination remember that ICAN is not here just for high school students - we help everyone with their planning needs. So over the next few years, if you have questions, your plans change, or you just need to renew that FAFSA, ICAN is here to help.
Congratulations on your graduation! And here's to your success where ever your next steps take you.
Brittania - ICAN Hiawatha Center
