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. Iowa College Aid provides the essential support and resources for schools to cultivate a college-going culture from college preparedness through the transition to higher education. High schools that create a strong college-going culture are more likely to have students who pursue post secondary education.
Apply. College Application Event
The goal of Iowa College Application Campaign 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 college application process. Kennedy Seniors are invited to participate in the College Application event, with the goal of ensuring that all students in our senior class apply to at least one college or university this fall.
COLLEGE APPLICATION DAY 2023: Wednesday, October 18
Event Schedule: Seniors are welcome to stop in the Counseling Office anytime during the school day on October 18 for application help. (see event flyer)
College Application Week Resources:
| Letter to Parents | More details on the event and why it’s so important to us! |
| Items Needed for Applications | All the demographic information a student may need for an application. |
| I Applied, Now What? | Next steps in the process |
| HS Letter of Recommendation Request | Information to share for a Letter of Recommendation |
| 3 Steps to Get an Apprenticeship | Provided by Iowa College Aid |
| 3 Steps to Get into Universities, Colleges and Technical Schools | Provided by Iowa College Aid |
| 3 Steps to Join the Military | Provided by Iowa College Aid |
| 3 Steps to Get a Job | Provided by Iowa College Aid |
| How to Apply to College: A Review of the Application Process | Video provided by ICAN |
Finance. FAFSA Completion Events
Scheduled with ICAN at families’ convenience.
Appointments available in person at ICAN (Boyson Road location) or virtually.
Steps to Participate:
| Step 1 | Obtain a FSA ID (for student and parents) | Create FSA ID |
| Step 2 | Wait for ID verification/confirmation | |
| Step 3 | Register for an appointment | Schedule an appointment |
| Step 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.
ICAN Video: Covering College Costs: Understanding and Comparing Financial Aid Packages
Decide. Decision Day Event
An event is planned for graduating seniors to declare and celebrate their future plans. Check back for details for the Class of 2024! Seniors! 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
| Step 1 | Send your Final Transcript | JFK Class of 2024 Final Transcript Request |
| Step 2 | Send AP Scores or College transcripts | Via College Board or college/university |
| Step 3 | Participate in a Registration or Orientation Event | Vary by college or university |
| Step 4 | Purchase or acquire supplies you need | Off to College Checklist (provided by Big Future) |
| Step 5 | Participate in the Freshman Experience | Welcome Week, Move-In Day, etc. |