If you’ve ever thought to yourself: I’m not going to bother applying for Financial Aid because I won’t qualify anyway, then this article is for you. February is not only the month of Presidents’ birthdays (and therefore big sales), love (or violence, depending on how much you know about the history of St. Valentine), but it’s also Financial Aid Awareness Month and TMCC’s Financial Aid team of experts has several events happening all month long to make sure that you roll into March with your:
- Financial Aid questions answered,
- Financial Aid applications completed and submitted;
- Smiling face because you found out about new financial aid opportunities!
So, no matter how much income your parents have, no matter your major, no matter if you didn’t qualify for Financial Aid before, there is something for everybody at one (or all) of the events happening this month… just like there is probably some financial aid to help support you on your journey through higher education toward your lifelong career. Whether that’s a scholarship, a grant, work study or student loans, chances are there are financial aid dollars with your name on them.
Or, in the words of Financial Aid Coordinator LaTara Misher: “Never fear, Financial Aid is here!”
So, what are you waiting for? Join our Financial Aid team in one or all of these events designed to fill you up with snacks, swag and scholarship-savvy!
Dare to Be Aware: A Series of Workshops
Start the month off with the Souper Bowl of Scholarships.
TMCC’s Financial Aid Team kicks off a month-long series of events with the “Souper Bowl of Scholarships” on Tuesday, Feb. 1 and Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Academic Advising Lab, located in Red Mountain 111 on the Dandini Campus. Our financial aid experts teamed up with the TMCC Foundation to give you all the information you need to know about what scholarships are available, how to apply and receive them.
If that wasn’t enough of a reason to stop by, attendees will also have the opportunity to get some TMCC swag and free soup. (You didn’t think we’d call an event a “souper bowl” and leave out the soup, did you?) All participants will also receive a ticket that they can redeem for a free bowl of soup at Cafe Verde and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a coffee maker.
Next up, join the OMG! Outrageous Money Games.
Think you know it all when it comes to scoring money to fund your education? Or that you would be a winner on game shows like The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune? Try your luck—and your knowledge—at this two-day event on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center on the Dandini Campus.
At this event, you don’t even have to play to win: all participants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win the “semester starter kit,” which includes a backpack, planner and other school supplies. Game winners will receive TMCC swag and snacks.
And what better way to end the month than with Music and Money?
Honestly, a dance party is always the best way to end a celebration. With a playlist curated by TMCC students, get all your Financial Aid questions answered while perfecting your moonwalk (or your other favorite dance move!) Whether you want to know about the FAFSA, grants or work study, our Financial Aid experts will be there to answer your questions… and maybe show you a few dance moves of their own.
Music and Money happens on Tuesday, Feb. 22 and Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in RDMT 204 on the Dandini Campus. Another reason to join? You can snack on M&Ms while listening to music and talking about [financial aid], a.k.a.: “money.” You will also receive a raffle ticket, which is a chance to win a power bank!
Other Ways to be Financial Aid Savvy
If you take classes at a TMCC location other than the Dandini Campus, let our Financial Aid team come to you! Our experts will also visit each TMCC location throughout the month of February to answer all your questions about scholarships, grants, work study and other opportunities that are available to help support you as you pursue your education.
Our team will visit each location on the following days and times:
- William N. Pennington Health Science Center: Monday, Jan. 31, 8 a.m.–noon and Wednesday, Feb. 9, 1–5 p.m. in HSC 115;
- Meadowood Center: Thursday, Feb. 3, 8 a.m.–noon and Monday, Feb. 7, 1–5 p.m. in MDWS 115
- William N. Pennington Applied Technology Center: Monday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m.–noon and Thursday, Feb. 17, 1-5 p.m.
Pssst… and an Insider Tip!
But, before you go, there is just one more Financial Aid tip that our team wanted to share with you: one of the best ways to learn about financial aid is to learn it from the inside-out. And no, we’re not talking about studying the FAFSA website! This semester, there are several work-study opportunities open, which means you could work in the place where you take your classes!
In addition to saving on gas (don’t forget: parking is free at TMCC!), you’re literally steps away from a job in which you’ll learn about ways to be successful in college. Whether you work for Financial Aid or some other TMCC department, you will get to know TMCC faculty and staff, as well as the processes by which the college runs. In addition to earning a paycheck, that sounds like a win-win to us!
Not convinced? Here are other perks of completing a work study:
- Few night or weekend shifts, if any!
- Less travel: you work where you attend school.
- Flexible schedule: we believe your education comes first. On-campus jobs will always work with your class schedules.
- Professional Development Opportunities: learn new skills while meeting new people and possibly land a new career in your field after you graduate.
No matter what you do this February, take your Financial Aid fitness to the next level by learning more about all the ways you can find ways to support your academic and career goals… and score free soup, school supplies and swag, too!
If you can’t make the in-person events but you’re still interested in knowing more about Financial Aid, our team is also available for virtual appointments. For more information, contact Financial Aid at 775-673-7072.