February is...
Financial Aid Awareness Month
|
|
A variety of financial aid sources are available to help students pay for college. Financial aid can come from federal, state, school, and private sources.
Besides financial aid, students should also think about what they can do to lower their costs when they go to college. Click here to learn more!
Mentors, check out the resources below to learn more about Financial Aid, and consider reviewing the resources with your mentee as well.
|
|
Florida Grant & Aid Programs |
Florida has several scholarship and grant programs available for HS Seniors that are FL residents. One of the most popular programs is Bright Futures.
For a full list of State Aid Programs and the link to apply to the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), click here!
To access the FFAA Reference Guide and step by step instructions on how to apply, click here.
|
|
The Department of Education offers eligible seniors 3 different types of Financial Aid. Grants, Work Study & Loans.
Loans: Money students borrow to attend college or career school. Students must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues.
|
|
Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of free money is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study.
Students can also use Scholarship Databases to find other scholarships they are eligible for. Some popular databases include Fastweb and CollegeBoard.
|
|
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
There are two wonderful scholarship opportunities for seniors to upgrade their 2-Year Florida College Scholarship.
-
FSU Four Year Scholarship – CLICK HERE
- The student must have applied to FSU no later than December 31st.
- The student must complete this Survey/Application above by March 4th:
- The student must answer a few essay questions and general application questions.
-
2 + 2 Scholarship – CLICK HERE
- The student must complete this Survey/Application above by March 4th:
- The student must answer a few essay questions and general application questions.
- *2+2 plans cover 60 College Credit Hours and 60 University Credit Hours
|
|
Happy Black History Month! |
|
The 2022 Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. This focus will celebrate the contributions and breakthroughs of Black professionals as well as speaking to the cultural richness of those “non-traditional” health and wellness practitioners (e.g., doulas, midwives, etc.).
Tampa Bay is celebrating Black History Month throughout February.
|
|
Mentor Celebration at
Busch Gardens
|
|
The Busch Gardens event was a success! Over 80 students, mentors and parents attended the event and had a blast at Busch Gardens! For some mentors & mentees it was the first time meeting in person due to our shift to virtual mentoring during the pandemic.
A HUGE THANK YOU to Busch Gardens for making this event possible!
|
|
Mentor of the Month
Maylin Pino
|
|
How did you become involved with mentoring through Hillsborough Education Foundation?
I found out about the program through colleagues, about 5 years ago. They were already mentors with HEF and shared their experiences. I immediately signed up to be a mentor. I enjoy everything this program is about!
What has been the most rewarding part of mentoring?
As a mentor, it is very rewarding to see mentees make progress from one year to another, even from one semester to another. Also, when they are able to accomplish a goal we both agreed on meeting, and seeing their ability to respond to challenges. Whether it is school related or a personal matter, it is great to see my mentee excited about her accomplishments and able to work through her own obstacles. In the past, a great highlight as a mentor, was to witness my prior mentee graduating and going to college. Today she is also mentoring and giving back to the community and continues to stay in contact with me.
What do you believe is the key to being a quality mentor?
What works for each student is different, but the time and motivation I provide to them is key. I like to first listen. I keep all sessions positive, and I am always available for my mentee. We are able to laugh and do fun activities, but my mentees are also aware I hold them accountable for their grades, their improvement and overall behavior in and outside of school. I try to share similar experiences and find useful tips they can connect with to make the sessions more valuable. I am always cheering them on.
|
|
When you are not working with students, how do you prefer to spend your free time?
I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family and my dog, cooking, taking pictures of nature, watching sports and reading books with my nephews.
What do you hope your mentees will learn from you?
I hope they can take my positivity and apply it in their day to day, as well as taking initiative to help others and be a support to anyone they interact with in the future. I would want them to carry a mindset of never giving up and always find ways and tools to overcome any obstacle that comes their way.
|
|
Mentor Development Workshops
Frameworks is facilitating 2 mentor trainings within the next few months. All Take Stock mentors are welcome to sign up and participate. The trainings will take place on ZOOM.
Workshop Topics and Dates
Wednesday, March 9th from 12PM-1:15PM
Understanding, Nurturing, and Practicing Social Awareness and Relationship Skills Register Here!
April 13th from 12PM-1:15PM
Understanding, Nurturing, and Practicing Responsible Decision-Making.
Registration in Advance is Required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Once registered, the meeting ID can also be used to access the session.
|
|
Florida High School Seniors Get Reprieve on Graduation Test Scores
Florida high school seniors who haven’t yet passed their required graduation tests in language arts and math won’t have to meet the higher bar that was supposed to take effect this spring. The changes, approved by the State Board of Education on Wednesday, should help hundreds of Tampa Bay area teens earn a diploma this year.
Source: Tampa Bay Times
|
|
Click the name of your assigned College Success Coach to email them. |
|
Director of TSIC
(813) 574-0271
|
|
 |
Mentor Coordinator
(813) 574-0272
|
College Success Coach
(813) 574-0264
|
|
|
|
College Success Coach
(813) 574-0269
|
College Success Coach
(813) 574-0267
|
|
|
|
|
|
Presidents Day
Non-Student Day
|
|
|
|
|
Frameworks Training: Social Awareness & Relationship Skills |
|
|
|
|
End of 3rd Grading Period |
|
Middle School HCPS Students |
|
|
|
Spring Break
Non-Student Day
|
|
|
For more detailed information about the events occurring in Hillsborough County Public Schools, click the link below:
For more information, contact Joanne Sandoval via email.
|
|
TSIC Mentor &
Student Resource Portal
To access grade-specific road maps, virtual mentoring ideas, mentor toolkits, information on colleges & careers, and more resources click the buttons below!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
