Planning Tools & Resources
Naviance
With Naviance, students have the opportunity to search for careers/colleges, do research, develop a college list, develop a post-graduation game plan and more. Students can access the information and program tools by using the registration code they were given. If you do not know your registration code, please see your Guidance Counselor. To create an account, enter the code in the New User area on the Naviance home page and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Financial Aid
FAFSA
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school.
To receive federal student aid, you must meet certain requirements. You must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Be registered with Selective Service if you are male and 18 to 25 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
- Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid.
If you meet the requirements, here's how to apply:
- Obtain a FAFSA ID by visiting the Federal Student Aid website
- Apply for FAFSA after October 1, 2016 at FAFSA.GOV
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
For questions regarding the financial aid application, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or go to the FAFSA website.
Cal Grants
Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college, as it's money you don't have to pay back and is guaranteed. If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements, apply for FAFSA by March 2, and you are automatically enrolled. Homestead sends your GPA to the state for you. However, you must opt in on the WebGrants4Students website once you receive your college admission decisions, or after you apply for community college.
Other Resources
- Tuition Funding Resources
- GoingMerry.com - Build your profile, get matched, and start applying!
- FinAid
- Homestead Presentation on Financial Aid
- Financing Your College Education - Presented by Katy Fitzgerald, Mission College Financial Aid
- Fund Your Future Workbook
- CSS Profile
- Private and out-of-state colleges and universities have different deadlines. Go to each individual college’s financial aid website for their requirements and deadlines.
- Consumer Affairs Loan Information
- Resources for Undocumented Students
- Diversity Fly-In Programs - Diversity Fly-In Programs for Rising Seniors. Did you know that many universities sponsor fall trips for seniors to visit their campuses? Many of these programs even offer airfare! These fly-in programs are directed to students from underrepresented cultural backgrounds such as African American, Latino American, some Asian Americans (Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and others), Native Americans, and First-Generation students (first in your family to attend college). Updated annually.