ICAN will be doing many presentations in a different format this year. In the past ICAN advisors have traveled to schools to present daytime and evening presentations. But Covid-19 is changing a lot of what we do. Due to the fact of limiting people in school buildings and limiting exposure to the virus, ICAN will be doing virtual presentations through Zoom Webinar. This is a free service for which students and parents can register and then view the presentation on an electronic device at home. A home computer, laptop, tablet, or even a cell phone can be used. This service is free of charge.
ICAN advisors are presently scheduling webinars with school counselors. We will be bundling schools together in groups so that we can be more efficient in use of our time. School counselors will be sending out registration links to students and parents who register ahead of time for a specific day and time. Students and parents will then receive a link to connect to the webinar on the day and time that it is scheduled. Recordings of the presentations can also be made available.
There are three main presentations that will be presented in the second semester at various times coordinated through the school counselor:
1. How to Pay for College: Understanding the Financial Aid Process. This presentation focuses on the entire financial aid process along with an explanation of the FAFSA, understanding costs, aid options, the scholarship process, and where to go to get help. For the second semester of 2021 it is primarily intended for juniors and their parents, but anyone can register for it. This is very important for students who are considering attending college whether it would be a four-year college, community college, or a specialty college like cosmetology, massage therapy, and others.
2. Life After High School: A Guide to Career and College Planning. This presentation covers career exploration, choosing a career, academic preparation, college application process, admission process, campus visits, understanding costs, various post-high school education options. This is intended for sophomores, but any student of any age will profit from it.
3. Welcome to High School: Freshman Transitions. This presentation fits well with high school freshmen or 8th graders. Topics that will be covered: career assessment and transitions, course selection and planning, available training options for post-high school education, financing and the cost of education, money management basics, and a parent’s role in the career process.
ICAN will continue our popular Wednesday Webinars which are open to anyone who registers through Zoom. These events will also live stream on the ICAN Facebook page. All Wednesday webinars will be held at 5:00 pm January through May. There will be a variety of topics such as: the scholarship process, academic planning, apprenticeship training and trade careers, money management, employability, financial literacy, student loans, and many others. To view the full schedule visit www.icansucceed.org/videos.
These learning opportunities are free of charge and very convenient! For more information see your school counselor in the high school or go to the ICAN website: www.icansucceed.org.
Steve - Southwest Iowa Advisor
