GEAR UP
The 12th Year Campaign can help you with two important steps to going to college: applying for admission and applying for financial aid.
After applying for admission to your post-high school options, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
Find a free, in-person, or virtual 12th Year Campaign Event near you to help with your financial aid and admissions applications. View the Padlet: Financial Aid Resources for Students for resources to help you navigate the financial aid and admissions process.
Understand your financial aid options, including state financial aid programs, private scholarships, and student loans, at the Washington Student Loan Education site. Estimate your award with the financial aid calculator.
Need more help? Contact Otter! Otter, the OtterBot, is a free texting service designed to help Washington high school seniors navigate financial aid for college and career education. Access OtterBot by texting “Hi Otter” to 360-928-7281.
Check out the 12th Year Campaign Student Workbook and the handouts below for high school juniors and seniors. They will guide you through the college admissions and financial aid application process.
Tri-Fold: Financial Aid 101: How to Pay for Education After High School and Financial Aid 201: How to Pay for Education After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, English, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.)
- Admissions and Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students
- Award Letter Key Components | Award Letter Worksheet - Living off-campus | Award Letter Worksheet - Living on-campus
- Financial Aid & Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
- Financial Aid 101: How to Pay for Education After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, English, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
- Financial Aid 201: How to Pay for Education After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, English, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
- Financial Aid Information for Youth in Foster Care
- Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Information on Student Loans
- Which Financial Aid Is the Best to Accept?
Federal Financial Aid Application
FSA ID Worksheet. You can use this sheet to help you create your FSA ID.
Washington State Financial Aid
Washington Grant
Washington College Grant Flyer. The Washington Grant gives more money to students for more education after high school. For more information, visit: https://wsac.wa.gov/pathways
Information For Unaccompanied Homeless Youth/Students In Foster Care
Fostering College Knowledge. If you have been in foster care at any time after age 13, money and resources are available to help you go to college—including vocational training and 2- and 4-year options—for most Washington State schools.
SchoolHouse Connection. Have you experienced homelessness? Are you considered an unaccompanied homeless youth? Find resources to help you pursue your path after high school.
DCYF. This website is for foster youth. It contains info on college access, scholarships specifically for youth in foster care, jobs, housing, self-advocacy, and more.
Scholarship Support
Scholar Snapp. This free tool helps students save time by reusing their information — including contact details, essays, transcripts, etc. — from one application to another. Students can complete one application and import it or “snap” it to their Scholar Snapp profile.
Understanding Financial Aid
Big Future’s Tools & Calculators. This section includes help tools to help calculate college costs and compare your financial aid award letters.
Family Resources. Easy-to-use resources from Reach Higher and the Common App are available in English and Spanish. Learn about application fees, fee waivers, and financial aid.
Find out about Scholarships:
Explore our curated database of scholarships, which includes opportunities tailored for various backgrounds, interests, and academic achievements. We've got you covered whether you're seeking merit-based awards, need-based assistance, or specialized scholarships.
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