Course to College is an all-encompassing program to support high schools in creating a college-going culture through five steps: prepare, apply, finance, decide, and go. The Iowa Department of Education provides support and resources for schools to cultivate a college-going culture from college preparedness through the transition to higher education. High schools that build a strong college-going culture are more likely to have students who pursue post secondary education.
Apply. Application Event
The goal of Application Event is to provide an opportunity for all Iowa seniors to complete and file college applications. To us, college means any education program beyond high school including certificate programs, two-year degree programs, and four-year programs. This initiative is so important because research shows that in Iowa, nearly two-thirds of the top 50 fastest growing occupations require some type of formal training program or post-secondary education.
Throughout the months of September/October, high schools across the state will host events to assist students with the application process. Kennedy Seniors are invited to participate in the Application Event, with the goal of ensuring that all students in our senior class complete one application this fall.
APPLICATION DAY 2025: TBA
College Application Week Resources:
| I Applied, Now What? |
| HS Letter of Recommendation Request |
| 3 Steps to Get an Apprenticeship |
| 3 Steps to Get into Universities, Colleges and Technical Schools |
| 3 Steps to Join the Military |
| 3 Steps to Get a Job |
Finance. FAFSA Completion Events
Scheduled with ICAN at families’ convenience.
Appointments available in person at ICAN (Boyson Road location) or virtually.
Steps to Participate:
| 1 | Obtain a FSA ID (for student and parents) | Create FSA ID |
| 2 | Wait for ID verification/confirmation | |
| 3 | Register for an appointment | Schedule an appointment |
| 4 | Bring important financial aid documents to your appointment. | List of items needed. |
ICAN has helped families complete tens of thousands of FAFSA’s through the years. They truly are experts and can assist you with completing this very important task. Many FAFSA deadlines are approaching quickly. We hope you will take advantage of this free service and allow ICAN to help you remove the FAFSA off of your to-do list.
ICAN is available to assist families with the FAFSA process by appointment. Contact them by phone at 877-272-4692 or schedule an appointment online.
Decide. Decision Day Event
An event is planned for graduating seniors to declare and celebrate their future plans. The event typically occurs in May – date for 2026 TBD. We can’t wait to celebrate you and the decisions you’ve made for your future! We want to recognize each one of you for your hard work, show pride in your decisions and share it with the Kennedy Community. All graduating seniors are welcome to attend!
Go. Finalize Steps for Enrollment
| 1 | Send your Final Transcript | JFK Class of 2026 Final Transcript Request |
| 2 | Send AP Scores to college/university | See College Board request process |
| 3 | Send college transcripts | See Kirkwood request process |
| 4 | Participate in Orientation Event | Vary by college or university |
| 5 | Purchase or acquire supplies you need | Off to College Checklist (provided by Big Future) |
| 6 | Participate in the Freshman Experience | Welcome Week, Move-In Day, etc. |