Summer Transition Advising Programs available for 2024 HIDOE grads

KITV Island News
May 2, 2024

This summer, Hawai’i P-20 Partnerships for Education (Hawai’i P-20) and Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) will be partnering for the fifth year to provide 2024 graduates with transition advising services through the Summer Advising Program, previously known as Next Steps.

“The spring months for seniors are known to be a critical time for important decision making, and although some have made their commitments, we are aware that many students who graduate are still leaving high school feeling uncertain about their life plans,” said Lynsey Bow, the Counseling Program Director for Hawai’i P-20.

Those who participate will be connected to a dedicated summer advisor who will provide one-on-one support to ensure that students complete the next step towards their future plans.

Students must sign-up by May 31 and can do so by texting “nextsteps” to 808-458-5550 or by visiting this link. Service dates will vary by high school between June 3, 2024, and July 12, 2024.

“Access to advising support during the summer months ensures each student secures a plan and receives the necessary support to make informed decisions toward their immediate goal after high school,” continued Bow.

Advisors will be able to help students explore all post-high school options which can include applying to college, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA), along with connecting them to job training and certifications, updating resumes, and addressing any concerns they may have during their transition period.

The Summer Transition Advising Program began as an emergency response to the pandemic to help the class of 2020. Since then, the program has supported more than 4,636 graduating HIDOE seniors.

FAFSA Hawaiʻi Hotline extends hours for local families

March 26, 2024
Big Island Now

To further provide direct support to local families with the many challenges surrounding the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submission process, Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education (Hawaiʻi P-20) and GEAR UP Hawaiʻi are extending the duration of the FAFSA Hawaiʻi Hotline and is now operating with new hours.

The FAFSA Hawaiʻi Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 31. By dialing 808-842-2540 callers will be able to speak directly with counselors and financial aid specialists to assist with any FAFSA questions they may have.

“We understand there are many uncertainties surrounding the FAFSA, so it is wonderful that local families are utilizing this free resource to have their questions answered and to complete their form,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Hawaiʻi P-20. “We encourage all students seeking financial aid to complete the FAFSA every year, even if they do not think they will receive any funds, simply because there are many scholarships that require the FAFSA to be submitted for eligibility. We want to make sure that anyone planning to further their education is awarded as much funding as possible, and completing the FAFSA is the way to make that happen.”

Hawaiʻi P-20 will continue its Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshops on Wednesday evenings through April to allow families to ask financial aid questions and get individual assistance with creating their FSA ID, or work directly with an expert online to submit their FAFSA. During these sessions, attendees are placed with a representative to receive individualized feedback.

Online FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) Review Workshops are also scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, March 28, and Thursday, April 4. The FSS Review Workshops will offer families details on what they can expect in the months following their FAFSA submission, including how to review their FSS and Student Aid Report.

For a complete listing of upcoming FAFSA and college planning webinars or to register, visit CollegeIsWithinReachHawaii.com.