Applying for financial aid may be the most important task many a high school senior and their family will undertake; it may also be the most daunting. To help academically talented students sort through this process, the Cook Family Foundation is holding a workshop on Tuesday, January 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Baker College Welcome Center in Owosso.

The Cook Family Foundation strives to increase access to the University of Michigan for students from the Shiawassee County region. This fall, as in every year, we have been working with students to apply to the University of Michigan. We will continue to assist students with the admissions process and help them make their college decision this winter and spring. We provide a scholarship to any student from the greater Shiawassee County area admitted to the University of Michigan. We welcome questions and can provide some answers to frequently asked questions.  These are important first steps, but maximizing financial aid can open doors and increase higher education options.

At the upcoming workshop, a representative from the University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid will provide important information about qualifying for financial aid, as well as some useful tips on making college more affordable.  U-M is the only public university in Michigan to cover 100 percent of demonstrated financial need of in-state students.  The University’s Go Blue Guarantee promises four years of free tuition for families with an income of less than $65,000 and assets of less than $50,000.  Reduced tuition is available to families making up to $180,000.

While the workshop will provide particular insight to financial aid from the University of Michigan, the presentation will be applicable no matter what four-year university a student ends up attending. The first step is to complete the FAFSA, the qualifying form used by all institutions of higher learning. To be eligible for financial aid from UM, students and their families will also need to complete a CSS Profile. Both of these applications are now available; the sooner they are submitted the more quickly a student will get a financial aid offer.

Students and/or their parents are invited to attend the January 8 workshop.  While it is not necessary to RSVP, please contact us if you have questions (call us at: 989-725-1621 or email us at bruce@cookfamilyfoundation.org). To keep up-to-date on financial aid, scholarships, and other UM information follow us on Twitter @GoBlueGoBruce