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EOC Winter 2007 Newsletter
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CONGRATULATIONS to the recipients of the 2007 EOC Scholarship! This award, based on academic
performance, school and community activities, and a written essay, is
awarded to participants of the EOC Program who have made significant
achievements as adult students. The Scholarship Committee is pleased to
announce the following worthy recipients of this year’s awards: REBECCA BICKING of
Drums is majoring in Nursing at Misericordia University. DOROTHY JESSO, Exeter,
is enrolled at Luzerne County Community College where she is studying
Social Sciences. MARJORIE MUSSELMAN of
Bloomsburg is enrolled in the General Studies Program at Luzerne County
Community College. ADAM DANIELSON,
Plymouth, is pursuing a degree in Journalism at Luzerne County Community
College. MICHELE BELLITO of
Larksville is enrolled at Luzerne County Community College, majoring in
Social Science. KARY FERNANDEZ,
Hazleton, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at the
Pennsylvania State University, State College.. ELSIE ASHTON,
Danville, is majoring in Nursing at Luzerne County Community College.
THOMAS MALKEMES of
Tunkhannock is enrolled at Bloomsburg University where he is pursuing a
bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.
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BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
FAFSA Completion Day is February 9, 2008 for the 08-09 School Year
Whether you are a high school senior, an adult starting college for the first time, or a returning student—you need to get your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filed as early as possible in order to meet all important deadlines. To make the process as painless as possible, PHEAA holds FAFSA Completion Days throughout PA at a variety of sites:
In Lackawanna County, the FAFSA Completion Day will be held at the Carbondale Library 9 to noon.
In the Bloomsburg area: representatives will be available at a variety of locations call (570) 323-7001 for locations.
For the Lehigh Valley area; call (570) 826-1476 for a list of sites and dates Or call EOC at (610) 432-4839 for help or workshops.
If you are in the Hazleton area, make an appt at the EOC office for one on one help with your FAFSA: 570-454-6161
For more information: www.pheaa.org and click on FAFSA Completion Sessions
Why Go Back to School?
Many individuals consider themselves "lifelong learners" and may continue to take a class or two throughout their entire lives for the sheer joy of learning. Many more individuals pursue additional schooling to make themselves more competitive in the job market.
Deciding early in your planning whether you are pursuing personal interest or professional development will help you better prepare for selecting a program of study and prevent your wasting precious time and money.
Interesting Facts:
According to the Dept. of Labor 70% of future jobs will require a postsecondary education;
Adult learners now comprise approximately anywhere from 20-25% of the student body at nationwide postsecondary campuses;
Adult learners generally earn higher grades than their
"traditional" student counterparts.
Adult learners take advantage of the options to attain a degree: accelerated classes, online courses, and weekender programs;
According to the US Census Bureau: the median annual income for employees with a high school diploma was only $27,915-and a bachelor’s degree: $51,206!
Financial Aid: It’s not too late!
Students and prospective students often receive confusing and misleading information regarding financial aid. Some confusion comes from the existence of multiple deadlines-federal, state, institutional. Prospective students need to be aware of these but just as important is not to panic if a deadline is missed. Having missed a deadline might only affect your ability to receive on certain type of aid.
It is important to check with the institution you plan on attending to see if they impose a deadline on financial aid. If they do, this overrides all others. If they do not, and you are a PA resident attending an in-state school the deadline is always May 1 of that year. While submitting your FAFSA by this deadline increases your chances of getting a state grant, there is no guarantee. Conversely, applying late does not automatically make you ineligible, though it will likely decrease your chances. Which leads me to this insight: if you are not going to qualify for state grants anyway, why worry about having missed the deadline? In other words you should still apply for federal aid.. Also, do not forget to complete forms that the college sends you regarding financial aid. Often the student will assume that because they have completed federal and state forms that they don’t need institutional aid. The problem is, however, that some institutions will not release your federal or state aid without complying with their request to complete an institutional form. Also, some schools determine eligibility for scholarships and other awards based upon the information collected on their forms.
Finally, whatever your circumstances do not compare what you are or are not eligible for in student aid to other students. Despite what you may think no two students have exactly the same circumstances. When you feel that something might be wrong check with your financial aid office at school. Whenever you have a question about financial aid, please talk to a reliable source as much confusion results from reliance on hearsay. EOC has over 27 years of experience in dealing with financial aid issues and can help make the whole process easier for you.
Adult students are the fastest-growing population in higher education. Between 1970 and 2000, there has been a 170% increase in the nontraditional student population.
The US Dept. of Education estimates that there are more than nine million (9,000,000) adult students enrolled in some form of postsecondary education.
The median age of adult students is 40!
Adults students bring wisdom and experience to the classroom.
Some colleges & universities offer a senior citizen discount?
Going back to college has never been easier? Many colleges and universities offer reentry student services with flexible scheduling, accelerated classes, daycare centers, and even distance learning options?
According to the Distance Education and Training Council: there are nearly 4 million students taking college courses through distance education!
Most people have a peak study time. This is the time you are most alert. Some study best in the early morning. Others find evening or late night studying better.
As you plan your schedule, use your peak time. When you plan study time, realize that you will reach a saturation point and give yourself a break. The 50/10 rule works well. Study for 50 minutes, then break for 10 minutes. The 10 minute reward relaxes your mind for more studying.
Before you begin your study session, you need to "cleanse your palate". You can not effectively address math homework while still thinking about work, kids, or laundry. Give yourself a relaxing breath, take a few minutes, and then go to your study space and begin.
Another helpful hint is to separate your work into subsections. A short-range goal is much easier to accomplish than an entire chapter especially in our busy lives. When you’ve met your goal, reward yourself with that 10 minute break!
FAFSA Completion Day is February 9, 2008 for the 08-09 School Year
Whether you are a high school senior, an adult starting college for the first time, or a returning student—you need to get your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filed as early as possible in order to meet all important deadlines. To make the process as painless as possible, PHEAA holds FAFSA Completion Days throughout PA at a variety of sites:
In Lackawanna County, the FAFSA Completion Day will be held at the Carbondale Library 9 to noon.
In the Bloomsburg area: representatives will be available at a variety of locations call (570) 323-7001 for locations.
For the Lehigh Valley area; call (570) 826-1476 for a list of sites and dates Or call EOC at (610) 432-4839 for help or workshops.
If you are in the Hazleton area, make an appt at the EOC office for one on one help with your FAFSA: 570-454-6161
For more information: www.pheaa.org and click on FAFSA Completion Sessions
GED Referral Sites in the EOC Area
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