MEFA

Did you miss our recent webinar about the FAFSA? You can watch the webinar recording anytime! This webinar, presented by Amy Staffier of Simmons University, provides step-by-step instructions on completing the application, helpful tips on answering questions correctly, and important next steps for families to take. This webinar is also eligible for PDPs! Watch the recording at bit.ly/4iwurKP

School counselors, are you looking for scholarships to share with your students? We’ve rounded up some scholarships for students who are interested in the environment that students can apply for right now. Send these to your students, include them in your newsletters to families, or print them out to have on hand in your office! Get the details at bit.ly/4f8VzML

With the holidays approaching, consider giving the gift of college. The UFund Gift of College Card, available at CVS stores in Massachusetts, provides friends and family members a tangible way to contribute toward a child’s college savings account. Learn more at bit.ly/3Vy6vN7

On mefa.org, you’ll find videos, articles, calculators, podcast episodes, and more highlighting the many different steps for families in the college planning process. As we wrap up 2024, take a look at what the most popular resources have been over the past year. Learn more at bit.ly/3Diz2zU

In a recent study MEFA conducted, 69% of Massachusetts residents said they would be likely to consider rolling over unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA account if that option existed. We’ve got some great news for you: that option does exist! Get the details in our video, and open a UFund 529 account, managed by Fidelity Investments, at mefa.org/ufund

The MEFA Team recently attended another successful MASFAA conference in Hyannis. As a member of the MASFAA Conference Committee, I had a lot of fun participating in the conference planning this year. The MASFAA community was really engaged during all the sessions, while still having some fun with trivia and financial aid hand calc contests. The conference attendees also helped raise over $1,500 for the local charity Food4Kids, which works to alleviate childhood hunger and promote literacy on Cape Cod. The conference was a great way to lift spirits after a difficult financial aid processing year. One of the highlights for me is always the awards ceremony, and MASFAA selected a great group of dedicated professionals for this year’s awards. We were particularly proud to see MEFA Ambassadors Amy Staffier from Simmons University win the Presidential Award, and Mike Goodwin from Williams College win the Edward M. Kennedy Public Service Award. One thing that stood out to me was the energy and positivity of the new generation of financial aid administrators. There were lots of great sessions with up-and-coming professionals. I was able to attend a few of their sessions and enjoyed getting to know new people in addition to seeing familiar friendly faces. After the pandemic, being able to see your colleagues and catch up in person at a conference or professional training event is priceless. I ended the conference co-presenting a session with my colleague Shawn Morrissey. Our session was titled We’re Not in Kansas Anymore, A Technicolor Approach to Affordability. The presentation was well received and participants walked away with new ideas about how to present their payment options to families. I made sure to bring my ruby slippers so we could all put ourselves in the shoes of students and families who are entering the daunting process of college enrollment. After another successful MASFAA conference, I find myself already looking forward to next year's event. - Stephanie Wells, Director of College Relations at MEFA

Do you work with students who have received an offer of admission from a college they did not apply to? Colleges and universities are utilizing the Common Application’s direct admission program to reach students who may not otherwise know they are a great fit for their school. Learn more in our recent article.

If you work with students who are applying for financial aid, they may have questions on how to complete the forms if their parents are divorced. One of the biggest differences between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile pertains to how divorced or separated parents complete the forms. Unlike the FAFSA, often both the custodial and noncustodial parent will need to submit a CSS Profile. We explain the details here. Learn more at bit.ly/3Co2q7n

School counselors and college access professionals, please join us for an overview of the MASFA, the financial aid form that can be used by many undocumented students to apply for Massachusetts state financial aid. Stephannie Barboza from MA Department of Higher Education will discuss eligibility, the process of applying, and what aid is available. This webinar is also eligible for PDPs. Register at bit.ly/3CZa1tH