GEAR UP for Parents with Children in the class of 2012
Parental Guidance Needed
It's never too early to think about your child's future. Including plans for college. Thinking about and planning early for college or other postsecondary education increases your child's chances to be prepared and then succeed when they get to college. Taking the correct classes, developing good study habits, college costs, and selecting the right college are all important considerations as your child moves through middle and high school. The GEAR UP Class of 2012 grant project is designed to help you with those important decisions. Many activities and events have been planned for you and your child to help them reach the goal of not only being admitted to the postsecondary institution of their choice but to also be successful once they get there. Some of these activities include, choosing the right college or other postsecondary institution, campus visits, one-on-one counseling and instruction, mentoring, parental involvement, financial aid workshops, Individual Learning Plans (ILP) development, community activities, ACT preparation, career awareness, summer camp, and many more. For more details contact the GEAR UP Site Coordinator at your school.
Your Child Can Reach Their Dreams
Parents want to see their children successful in school and in life. We all want to see our children happy, financially sound, and some day working in a career that is satisfying and rewarding. GEAR UP can help your child reach their dreams of attending college and having a fulfilling career.
Financial Considerations
College and other postsecondary education is an investment in your child's future and should be viewed in that way. Students graduating from college have a higher earning potential than someone with a high school diploma only. It is fortunate for those students living in Kentucky that our state has some of the lowest college costs in the nation. Additionally, there are many forms of financial assistance available to Kentucky resident students.
Depending on the type college, university, or other postsecondary institution expenses may vary. Private colleges and universities (those not supported by tax dollars or nonprofit) are generally more expensive that state supported colleges and universities. Each institution of higher education sets its own tuition fee rate.
In 1998 the Kentucky General Assembly provided Kentucky high school students an opportunity to earn money for college in high school with the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program. This program is administered by the Kentucky Higher Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Students who work hard in high school and make good grades (at least a 2.5 GPA) can earn scholarships for college or technical school. The better grades a student makes in high school the more they can earn in college scholarships. Students do not have to apply for the KEES award. It is sent directly to the college, university, or technical school they attend after the school lets KHEAA know they are enrolled. For more information about KEES and other programs offered by KHEAA logon to their web site at www.kheaa.ky.gov.
In addition to KEES scholarships students with good grades and high ACT scores are eligible for a number of other scholarship opportunities available at each college or university. Scholarships may be made available through the school, a corporation, or individual. These scholarships often are based on academic achievement, athletic ability, area of study, or financial need. For additional details concerning academic scholarships visit the college or university web site of your choice and search for "scholarships".
Loan's can also be secured to finance a child's education if scholarship or savings are not available and the family meets eligibility guidelines. Federal Parent Loan (PLUS), Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are examples of commonly used government loans utilized by college going students. For more details about loans contact the Student Financial Assistance Office at the college or university of your choice or contact KHEAA for further information.
Savings accounts established by parents and other family members are another source of financial support. Most banks and savings institutions can set up an account for a student with a minimum balance and interest paid on the account. Trusts and endowments may also be managed by local banks.
In summary, college costs should not deter you or your child from the opportunity to pursue and degree from an institution of higher education. The initial costs of college will be outweighed by the earning potential of your child over the course of many years in a good paying career.
Mike Hughes
GEARUP Coordinator
1906 College Heights Blvd. #21031
WKU - Bowling Green, KY 42101