Volume 1, Issue 3 August 2009
DSHS-Children's Administration
Educational & Training
Voucher Program Newsletter
Have You Turned In
All the Required
In Zematra’s Own Words
Documents to The
Hi my name is Zematra and I am 20 events with my family on weekends high school but in life you are faced
ETV Program?
years old. Some of the things I like to do and I organize my school, homework with obstacles and things happen for
If you are a new applicant is braid hair, cook and make people and study time during the week. I a reason. Regardless of the past I
to the ETV program have laugh. I was in foster care for 4 years have learned that knowing what you am in college now. I am proof it can
you submitted your appli-
cation? beginning at the age of 14. I found my- want, putting your all into whatever be done if it’s what you really want.
self in foster care but over time realized you do, and asking for help will help
If you’re a second year There were several organizations
applicant have you sub- that everyone is not out to get me. you be successful in college. My
that helped me move toward my
mitted the 2009-10 Re- motto is, “ A closed mouth don’t get
newal Application? I currently attend Seattle Vocational educational success they are, Pas-
fed”.
In addition to the application
Institute (SVI) and I am enrolled in the sion to Action, Atlantic Street Center,
the following documents are Medical Assistant program. I chose this At first I was afraid to go to college YMCA, YWCA, my Mom and
required:
field because I was tired of working retail but I am really glad I enrolled at SVI Grandma. I want to say THANK
A copy of your 2009-10 and getting paid minimum wages. I will because I got over my fears and YOU so much for telling me I could
Student Aid Report (SAR)
graduate from SVI December 17th, looked to my peers and teachers to do it. No one can take my education
A copy of your 2009-10 2009. accomplish a 3.5 GPA and happy to away from me. If you put your mind
Financial Aid Award letter
do so. No one can take your educa- to it you can do whatever you set out
A copy of your fall class School is very important to me however I
tion away from you and the opportu- to do. I’m really proud of myself and
schedule also have to tell myself that I need to
nity is there for you when you are I am doing this for me and my daugh-
A copy of your accep- make time for myself and my family. I
ready. In life you have options. I ter because I want a better life for the
tance or registration have a daughter who will be turning 3
letter wanted to go to college right out of both of us.
August 2009. I plan activities and
Student Loans-Should I Accept Them?
If you need to borrow to help pay for college Federal Perkins Loan: You have 9 Use student loans sparingly. It’s tempting to
it’s important to know what kinds of loans months after graduation and during the accept loans to make life easy.
are offered and what your responsibilities are grace period you don’t have to pay any Take only the loans you absolutely need. If
if you choose to accept them. principal and you won’t be charged inter- possible take a part time job to pay for extras to
If you have received a financial aid award est. avoid additional loans. It’s hard enough start-
letter from your college there is a good Direct FFEL or Stafford Loan: The ing a career and a life without shouldering the
chance you may receive the option of loans grace period is 6 months after graduation. burden of major loan debt from college.
as part of your package. Before you accept a loan be sure to read the
As you know loans must be repaid. How-
Subsidized Loan: During the grace period
responsibilities very carefully. Make sure you
of 6-9 months you don’t have to pay any
ever, most loans don’t require repayment know what you will have to repay and when.
principle and you won’t be charged inter-
until after you graduate or drop below half- Choose a loan with the lowest interest rate and
est.
time enrollment. Most federal student loans if possible which does not require you to start
allow you 6-9 months after graduation before Unsubsidized Loan: You don’t have to making payments until you graduate.
you have to start paying them back which pay any principal but you will be charged Also understand you must repay the loan and if
allows you a grace period in order for you to interest. You can either pay the interest as you do not repay it, it will hurt your credit.
find a job. you go along or it will be added to the loan
amount later.
Educational & Training Voucher Program Newsletter
Seattle Central Student Teams with His Mentor
Seattle Central student, Gregory, He accessed many resources at SCCC includ- And to this next question, “If you
lives on his own in Seattle, having ing the TRIO program. He is now working on knew then what you know now what
been in care for most of his child- getting an AA degree and plans to apply to would you do differently in regards
hood. He is attending SCCC and Seattle University to attend a doctoral program to college?” Gregory responded:
working on completing his AA de- in psychology. He is doing well in his course-
gree. In his junior year in high work. “Don’t give up! If you want to go to
school, he was matched with mentor college have a plan. Understand that
Michelle B. from Treehouse. Here is what Gregory had to say in answering college is not like high school. For
this question: “What would you say to every class you take you need to spend
Gregory and Michelle met 2 to 4 younger youth in foster care?” at least 3-4 hours in studying; you
times each month for the past 3 need to learn to organize your time
years and discussed his educational “ I would say that yes, you were dealt a bad between class, study, work and social
goals. Michelle writes: “I was im- hand; and yes, you are going to be perceived time; and most of all, when things are
mediately impressed by Gregory’s differently from a lot of young adults who hard, don’t give up!”
energy, enthusiasm and self- have not gone through what you have, but you
direction. From the beginning he have tools that they will never have; strength His mentor writes: “He is studious and
shared his educational goal of get- that people who are in their forties don’t have, focused and I admire how hard he
ting an advanced degree in psychol- and passion for those who have gone through works. I look forward to my contin-
ogy.” similar things as you have…I believe school ued work with Greg.”
would be great for all of you, because you are
As graduation from high school got what we need in this country and this world. Way to go, Gregory! Congratulations
closer they went to SCCC to check You are responsible to be the voice in the for your achievements and making the
out various departments, meet with dark.” Dean’s list!
advisers and take placement tests.
The Student Aid Report (SAR) & Why It’s Important
“Difficulties seldom The “Student Aid Report or data electronically to the schools
an additional application or in-
defeat people; lack of (SAR)” provides you with the you listed on your FAFSA.
formation. Be aware schools
faith in themselves information you entered on the
Review your SAR carefully to may request additional informa-
Free Application for Federal
usually does it”. make sure it’s correct and com- tion prior to making an award
Student Aid (FAFSA). Your
plete. If you need to make cor- offer. If you’re eligible for finan-
SAR will contain your Expected
rections to your SAR you can do cial aid each school will provide
Family Contribution (EFC)
so online by using your Personal you with an “award letter”. The
which is used for determining
Identification Number (PIN) and award letter tells you the types of
your eligibility for financial aid.
going to: www.fafsa.ed gov. aid they will offer and how much
You should receive a copy of You may also be able to make you will receive. This combina-
your SAR via email 3-5 days them through the college you tion of aid is your financial aid
after you completed the FAFSA plan to attend. Or if you receive package. Review each award
if you provided your email ad- the paper version of the SAR letter carefully and compare how
dress when you completed the you can make corrections and much aid you can receive at each
FAFSA. If you do not provide mail to the address provided on school. Once you accept a
an email address when you apply the form. school’s award letter, sign it and
for the FAFSA you will receive return it to the school for proc-
If your SAR is accurate and
a paper copy within 7-10 days. essing.
complete, the next step is to
Whether you apply online or via
check with the financial aid of- (source: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/
paper the Department of Educa- publications/student_guide/2007-2008/
fice to see if the college requires
tion will automatically send your english/sar.htm)
Page 2
DSHS-Children's Administration
DSHS-Children’s Administration Resources
ETV Program
Toll Free: 1-877-433-8388
Email: etvwash@dshs.wa.gov
List of accredited colleges & universities in Washington state go to: www.hecb.wa.gov
ETV Program Staff List of Native American Colleges go to: www.ed.gov/about/inits/list/whtc/edlite-tclist.html
Juliette Knight, ETV Program Manager
Email: knju300@dshs.wa.gov Passport to College Scholarship-Washington State Higher Education Coordinating
Board: www.hecb.wa.gov/paying/waaidprgm/Passport.asp
Khris Blumer, ETV Program Coordinator
Email: blkh300@dshs.wa.gov
Governors’ Scholarship– The College Success Foundation:
Helen Schwartz, ETV Program Coordinator www.collegesuccessfoundation.org
Email: hsec300@dshs.wa.gov
We are located on the web at:
www.independence.wa.gov
Tips for Succeeding In College
Congratulations to those of you who are at- Studying Try to eat fruits and vegetables a few days a
tending college. A world of opportunities lies Find a good place to study: Dorm rooms and week and get plenty of rest. For exercise
before you, but it won’t last forever. Chances your apartment if you have roommates may go for walks, ride your bike or use the
are you will only be in college for a few short have many distractions such as television, college gym.
video games and friends coming over. Find a
years.
quiet place that will work for you. Campus Resources
Take advantage of every moment you have in Establish a routine study time and take breaks: Find a tutor if you need help: Your peers or
the next few years. At most colleges you will teaching assistants often serve as tutors in
have access to a lot of resources to help you Stay on top of your reading: Most classes subjects that are giving you struggles. Often
require a lot of reading. Don’t fall behind or times, it's easier to learn from someone
grow into a successful student and person, if
it may cost you. similar in age to you.
you know where to look and are willing to
take advantage of them. Here are a few tips to Meet with your academic advisor often:
Time Management
help you with your educational success: Your advisor can help you choose the right
Don’t procrastinate: Whatever the assignment classes for your major and advise you on
Financial Aid is, do it as soon as possible, otherwise you
will have to rush to finish it or it may not get your credit load.
Consider every possible financial aid re- done.
source: Check with your college financial aid Get to know your professors: It’s easy to go
and admissions offices to find out more about Use a planner or calendar to keep track: through college without getting to know
scholarships and other resources available to Missing an assignment deadline or exam is your professors. It may take some effort on
help you with your college costs. avoidable if you use a planner. your part but doing so may pay off if you
Know the guidelines and due dates of paper- need a letter of recommendation or want to
Campus Life
work for your financial aid awards. Nothing do an independent study.
Join a student organization, intramural team,
could be worse than losing a scholarship or
or club: Whether it be joining a club, team or College should be one of the best experi-
financial aid award because you missed a due student government it’s important to be a part ences of your life. Appreciate the time you
date. A mistake like this could cost you thou- of something with people who have similar
have as a college student. Don’t be afraid
sands of dollars. interests. You will make new friends and do
activities you enjoy. to take advantage of the resources available
to you.
Eat healthy, exercise and get plenty of rest: