MICHIGAN COLLEGE NIGHT
Delton Kellogg High School
PANTHERS
FAFSA • Paying for College • Local Scholarships
For Parents & Students of 11th and 12th Grade
Approximately 30 Minutes
Tonight's Agenda
01
Why Complete the FAFSA?
5 min
02
How to Complete the FAFSA
7 min
03
Understanding Financial Aid Types
5 min
04
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
5 min
05
Local Scholarships for Panthers
5 min
06
Next Steps & Resources
3 min
Why Complete the FAFSA?
Unlocks Free Money
Grants, scholarships, and work-study that do not need to be repaid
Required for Michigan Aid
Michigan Achievement Scholarship & most state programs require a completed FAFSA
College Aid Packages
Most colleges will not package aid without a FAFSA on file
It's Free & Fast
Most families finish in under 30 minutes; many under 15
What is the FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
▸ The official form used to apply for federal student aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study)
▸ Also used by Michigan for state scholarships and by most colleges for institutional aid
▸ Produces a Student Aid Index (SAI) — the number colleges use to determine need
▸ Uses prior-prior year tax information (2025 taxes for 2027-28 FAFSA)
▸ Must be completed every year the student is in college
▸ Available at StudentAid.gov — create an account (FSA ID) for student and parent
How to Complete the FAFSA — Step by Step
1
Create FSA IDs
Student and each parent/contributor need their own account at StudentAid.gov
2
Gather Documents
SSNs, 2024 or 2025 tax returns, W-2s, bank balances, untaxed income records
3
Start the Form
Select the correct year (2026-27 or 2027-28). Student or parent can start.
4
Invite Contributors
Parents receive an invitation to complete their section securely
5
Consent to IRS Data
Allow the form to pull federal tax information automatically
6
Submit & Review
Receive FAFSA Submission Summary. Make corrections if needed.
Important Dates & Deadlines
2026–27 FAFSA
Available now
Uses 2024 tax info
Federal deadline:
June 30, 2027
Michigan priority:
File early for best awards
Corrections by:
Sept 12, 2027
2027–28 FAFSA
Opened Sept 2026
Uses 2025 tax info
Federal deadline:
June 30, 2028
Michigan priority:
May 1 recommended
Tip:
File as early as possible
Types of Financial Aid
Grants
Free money from federal, state, or college sources. Based mainly on financial need. Does not need to be repaid.
Scholarships
Free money based on merit, talent, involvement, or other criteria. Local awards often have fewer applicants.
Work-Study
Part-time jobs (on or off campus) funded by federal aid. Earnings help pay college costs.
Loans
Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Federal loans usually have better terms than private loans.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Just complete the FAFSA — no separate application or essay required
Community College
Guarantee
Tuition-Free
In-district community college
+ $1,000 if Pell-eligible
No GPA or income limit
Public or Private
University
Up to $5,500
Per year for up to 5 years
($27,500 total possible)
SAI ≤ $30,000 required
Career Training
Programs
Up to $2,000
Skill certificates &
industry credentials
No GPA or income limit
MI College Match — Direct Admission Offers
Free profile • No applications, essays, or recommendation letters required
What is it?
Michigan high school students create a free profile (transcript + preferences). Participating Michigan colleges then send real, verified admission offers—and often scholarship opportunities—directly to students. No traditional application needed.
No Applications�or Fees
Create one free profile
Only Offers,�No Rejections
Colleges proactively reach out
No Essays or�Recommendations
Based on academics & fit
Scholarship�Opportunities
Many offers include aid info
How to get started: Create a free profile at micollegematch.com (takes ~15–20 minutes)
11th Grade Timeline — Fall & Winter
Junior year is the pivot year: grades, tests, and exploring options all count toward senior-year applications and aid.
FALL (Aug – Oct)
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT (only chance for National Merit)
• Meet with counselor — review transcript & course plan
• Start a simple activity/award log
• Attend college fairs & DKHS college night events
• Explore trade/apprenticeship options if interested
WINTER (Nov – Feb)
• Take SAT and/or ACT (plan for a spring retake if needed)
• Build a working college / trade-school list
• Use Net Price Calculators on college websites
• Research local scholarships (Barry CF / DKEF)
• Create StudentAid.gov accounts (student + parent)
All Year — Keep Doing These
• Protect your grades — junior-year transcript is heavily weighted
• Stay involved in activities; seek leadership or deeper roles
• Talk with family about budget and affordability
• Visit campuses or virtual tours when possible
• Ask teachers who know you well if they would write recommendations later
11th Grade Timeline — Spring & Summer
Finish junior year strong and use the summer to get ahead on applications, aid, and visits.
SPRING (Mar – June)
• Retake SAT/ACT if scores can improve
• Narrow college / trade-school list (8–12 options)
• Request teacher recommendations (ask early)
• Draft personal statement / activity list
• Check MI College Match profile (micollegematch.com)
• Look for summer programs, jobs, or job shadowing
SUMMER BEFORE 12th
• Finalize StudentAid.gov accounts
• Gather tax docs for upcoming FAFSA
• Visit campuses or attend open houses
• Complete scholarship applications that open early
• Update activity log and résumé
• Practice interviews for selective programs
Key Reminders for Parents & Students
• File the FAFSA as early as possible in senior year (opens fall of 12th grade)
• Michigan Achievement Scholarship & most local awards require a completed FAFSA
• Trade & apprenticeship pathways are excellent options — talk with the counseling office
Pathways into the Trades & Skilled Careers
A 4-year degree is not the only path. Skilled trades offer strong pay, low (or no) debt, and high demand in Michigan.
While Still in High School
• Talk with the DKHS counselor about CTE / career-tech options
• Dual enrollment for college credit in trade-related courses
• Job shadow or pre-apprenticeship programs
• Build a résumé with hands-on projects & work experience
After Graduation
• Registered Apprenticeships (earn while you learn)
• Short-term certificates at community college
• Trade school / vocational programs
• Union apprenticeship programs (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
Michigan Funding Help
• Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship — up to $2,000 for career training
• Community College Guarantee — tuition help at in-district colleges
• FAFSA still opens doors for many trade programs
• Some employers cover training costs
Popular high-demand trades in Michigan
Electrician • Plumbing • HVAC • Welding • Automotive • Construction • Manufacturing • CDL / Logistics • Healthcare tech • IT support
Many of these pathways lead to $50k–$90k+ careers with room to advance into ownership or management.
Next Steps if You’re Interested in the Trades
1
1. Talk to Your Counselor
Ask about current CTE offerings, dual enrollment, and any local career-center partnerships. Request help finding job-shadow or pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
2
2. Explore Local Options
Check Barry Intermediate School District / regional career centers, nearby community colleges (e.g., Kellogg CC, Grand Rapids CC), and Michigan Works! for apprenticeship listings.
3
3. File the FAFSA
Even for trade programs — it unlocks the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship (up to $2,000) and other aid. Create StudentAid.gov accounts early.
4
4. Research Apprenticeships
Visit michigan.gov for registered apprenticeship openings. Many are paid from day one and lead to nationally recognized credentials.
5
5. Apply & Follow Up
Contact unions, trade schools, and employers directly. Bring a simple résumé and be ready to discuss why the trade interests you.
Local Scholarships for Panthers
Barry Community Foundation & Delton Kellogg Education Foundation (DKEF) • barrycf.org
▸ Delton Kellogg Education Foundation Scholarships (multiple GPA tiers)
▸ DKHS Fine Arts Scholarship – for visual/performing arts students
▸ Delton Kellogg Determined Student Scholarship
▸ Mark Jeska Memorial Scholarship
▸ Jenny Wandell Memorial Scholarship
▸ Lydia Cole Memorial Fund (Barry County schools)
▸ Delton Area Rotary Club Scholarships
▸ Barbara Colleen Hooten Memorial Scholarship
Local Scholarship Criteria at a Glance
DKEF Scholarship (GPA 2.5–3.25)
• Graduating senior of DKHS
• Cumulative GPA 2.5 – 3.25
• Accepted to college, university, or trade school
• Evaluated on community involvement & leadership
DKEF Scholarship (GPA 3.26+)
• Graduating senior of DKHS
• Cumulative GPA above 3.26
• Accepted to college, university, or trade school
• Evaluated on community involvement & leadership
DKHS Fine Arts Scholarship
• Graduating senior of DKHS
• Accepted to accredited post-secondary or vocational school
• Pursuing degree in visual or performing arts / communication
Determined Student Scholarship
• Graduating senior or graduate of DKHS
• Exhibits leadership skills
• Pursuing a degree or certificate program
Mark Jeska Memorial
• Graduating senior of DKHS
• Accepted to accredited post-secondary or vocational school
• Financial need is not required
Jenny Wandell Memorial
• Graduating senior of DKHS
• Pursuing certificate, 2-year, or 4-year degree
• Preference for Education majors & desire to give back
Donald P. Humphreys Memorial
• Graduating senior of DKHS • Min. 3.0 GPA
• Involved in fine arts or visual arts/communication
• Strong ties to Delton community + teacher recommendation
Barbara Colleen Hooten Memorial
• Delton Kellogg or Hastings graduating senior
• Accepted to accredited college or university
• Min. 3.0 GPA (typical)
Where to Find & Apply for Local Awards
1
High School Counseling Office
Scholarship bulletin, application packets, and personalized guidance
2
Barry Community Foundation
barrycf.org — single online application for many local funds
3
MI Student Aid Scholarship Search
michigan.gov/mistudentaid — search by county for place-based awards
4
Local Organizations
Rotary, Lions, churches, credit unions, parent employers, 4-H
5
College Financial Aid Offices
Many schools have additional institutional scholarships
6
Fastweb / BigFuture / Scholarships.com
National databases — set up profiles and get matched
Practical Tips for Families
1
File the FAFSA as early as possible — some funds are first-come, first-served
2
List every college the student is considering (up to 20) so each can receive the data
3
Both student and parent need their own FSA ID — create them early and keep credentials safe
4
Use the IRS data retrieval tool — it is faster and reduces errors
5
Watch for verification requests from colleges and respond quickly
6
Apply for local scholarships even if the amounts seem small — they add up
7
Talk with the high school counselor — they know the local landscape best
8
Re-file the FAFSA every year the student is in college
Modern States
FRESHMEN YEAR FOR FREE —-
Key Resources
StudentAid.gov
Official FAFSA site — create FSA ID and complete the form
michigan.gov/mistudentaid
MI Student Aid — state programs, FAFSA checklist, scholarship search
barrycf.org
Barry Community Foundation — local scholarship applications
DKHS Counseling Office
Your first stop for school-specific deadlines and forms
College Financial Aid Offices
Contact each school the student applies to for their aid timeline
Federal Student Aid Info Center
1-800-433-3243 for FAFSA help
Key Resources
Your Next Steps
1
Create FSA IDs tonight
Student and parent at StudentAid.gov
2
Gather tax documents
2024 (for 2026-27) or 2025 (for 2027-28)
3
Complete the FAFSA
Aim for this month if possible
4
Visit the counseling office
Pick up local scholarship list & deadlines
5
Apply for local awards
Barry CF common app + school-specific forms
6
Talk with each college
Ask about institutional scholarships and aid timelines
Questions?
Thank you for joining us tonight.
Go Panthers!
Delton Kellogg High School • Counseling Office
StudentAid.gov • michigan.gov/mistudentaid • barrycf.org