National Training for Counselors and Mentors - Materials and Resources

Tools and Resources You Need to Counsel Students and Families Preparing Financially for College

Training Materials Below are links to the NT4CM training materials. These materials will offer you valuable information and resources even if you are unable to attend a workshop in person. Curriculum synopsis: Click here for a brief summary of the NT4CM modules found below. I. Introduction Participant Guide slide handout - Web (PDF; Titled: I - Intro - Web - PG.pdf; 796KB) II. Overview of Financial Aid Programs a. Participant Guide slide handout - (PDF; Titled: II - Overview - PG.pdf; 787KB) - 9/3/08 version b. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: II - Aid Programs - MH.pdf; 99KB) c. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: II - Quiz - MH.pdf; 23KB) IIIA. FAFSA4caster Participant Guide slide handout - (PDF; Titled: IIIA - FAFSA4caster - PG.pdf; 867KB) - 9/3/08 version IIIB. Applying for Federal Financial Aid a. Participant Guide slide handout - (PDF; Titled: IIIB - Applying - PG.pdf; 824KB) b. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: IIIB - Case Study.pdf; 1,421KB) UPDATED OCTOBER 24 c. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: IIIB - FOTW Worksheet.pdf; 1,125KB)

IV. Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

a. Participant Guide slide handout - (PDF; Titled: IV - ACG - PG.pdf; 802KB) - 9/3/08 version
b. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: IV - ACG - MH.pdf; 42KB)

V. Searching for Scholarships

a. Participant Guide slide handout - (PDF; Titled: V - Scholarships - PG.pdf; 786KB) - 9/3/08 version
b. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: V - Fraud Awareness - Couns - MH.pdf; 21KB)
c. Module Handout - (PDF; Titled: V - Save Your Money - Studt - MH.pdf; 35KB)

Resources
All files are in PDF and are titled as listed below:

Resources

• Application Checklist - R.pdf (47KB)
• Application Form Tracking - R.pdf (29KB)
• Award Package Comparison - R.pdf (32KB)
• COA Comparison - R.pdf (32KB)
• Consultant Services - R.pdf (49KB)
• Financial Aid Glossary - R.pdf (51KB)
• Sample Scholarship Inquiry Letter - R.pdf (27KB)
• Student Aid Program Summary - R.pdf (60KB)

Master Resources

• Master Resource List - R.pdf (39KB)

Federal Resources

• Federal Resources - R.pdf (23KB)
• Order Fed Materials - R.pdf (46KB)

Miscellaneous Resources

Miscellaneous Resources - R.pdf (27KB)

Middle School Training Materials
If you are a middle school counselor or a parent of a middle school student, feel free to use these materials.

Middle School Counselor Materials:

• Participant Guide slide handout (PDF; Titled: Middle School Counselors - PG.pdf; 798KB) - 9/3/08 version
• Module Handout (PDF; Titled: Middle School Counselors - MH.pdf; 41KB)

Middle School Parent Materials:

• Participant Guide slide handout (PDF; Titled: Middle School Parents - PG.pdf; 797KB) - 9/3/08 version
• Module Handout (PDF; Titled: Middle School Parents - MH.pdf; 40KB)

Training Materials (Spanish)
If you want to receive NT4CM training materials in Spanish, e-mail ask.aidawareness@ed.gov, and we will send you the materials in Microsoft Word format.

Additional Resources

Additional resources are available from the following Web sites:

• Federal Student Aid FSA4Counselors provides FAFSA information, financial aid videos, and college fair schedules, as well as tips and guidelines on planning financial aid nights.
• The Federal Student Aid Publications Ordering System (FSAPubs) offers a variety of free publications on financial aid and college preparation. Visit www.fsapubs.org to order items for middle school, high school, or college students, or for you as you mentor college-bound students. The site's home page asks you to log in using an identification number. If you work at a high school, TRIO or GEAR UP program, or other nonprofit entity (library, PTA, education department, etc.), you are eligible to receive an identification number called an ML number. Call 1-800-394-7084 to find out whether your school or organization already has an ML number. Once you are on the list and have provided an e-mail address, you will automatically receive important updates about federal aid and the application process, as well as a monthly e-newsletter with tips to help you do your job better.
• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) includes information on college preparation, as well as a resource guide on how to increase awareness among students and families of the necessity of preparing financially for college early.
• National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs (NCHELP) offers a comprehensive and up to date library of information on the latest postsecondary financial aid issues.
• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) offers a variety of valuable resources, including publications and online resources, for anyone involved in the admission process.
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA) provides professional development, publications and other resources, research, and advocacy to more than 24,000 professional school counselors around the globe.

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