Whether you use an app, a digital calendar, or the old-fashioned paper calendar, Bridgeport High School seniors and their families will want to make note of some upcoming webinars that deal with college preparation.  

 

The series of webinars is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia. Bridgeport High School Senior Counselor Jenna Edwards wants to make sure families are aware of resources that may make the process easier to navigate.

 

Traditionally, Edwards conducts an in-person Financial Aid meeting during the fall semester, offering aid regarding FAFSA, scholarships, and grant options.  

 

This year, she will be offering the meeting virtually at a date to be announced.  

 

In the meantime, the series of webinars that are available will help current seniors and their families get their questions answered about all things college.  

 

A full list of webinars can be found at https://content.xap.com/media/39551/wv_2020-21_statewide_financial_aid_workshop_series_schedule.pdf. 

 

On Sept. 29 at 6 p.m., the series kicks off with Financial Aid webinar, followed on Oct.1 at 6 p.m. with a webinar on the Promise Scholarship. Oct. 6 will cover the West Virginia Invests program for free community college at 6 p.m. and Oct. 8 will focus on WV Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarships at 6 p.m.  On Oct. 20, there will be a webinar on the WV Higher Education Grant at 6 p.m. and on Oct. 22, the Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholars will be the focus, also at 6 p.m..

 

Since the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on Oct. 1, there will be several opportunities for families to call the state hotline for questions and answer sessions regarding the form. Those dates will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 5, 7, 13, 15, 19 and 27.

 

November will have two webinars scheduled: Financial Aid on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. and FAFSA Hotline Q&A from 5 -7 p.m. on Nov.12.  On Dec.  3, there will be a special webinar for current college students that deals with renewal options at 6 p.m.

 

In 2021, the same topics will be covered in another series, which can be found at www.cfwv.com.  

 

“I am putting all information on Schoology and Calendar Wiz fin order to keep students and families fully aware of any deadlines,” said Edwards. “I am also available for any questions and can be reached at 304-326-7126. The WV Higher Education Policy Commission will also have extended hours and can be reached at 877-987-7664.”

 

All scholarship information will also be available on www.calendarwiz.com/bhsindians, with links to applications to make the process easier.  Students may want to consider gathering letters of recommendation, organizing accomplishments and creating accounts on scholarship sites in an effort to maximize their efforts during scholarship season, which typically runs from October to March.  Additional planning resources are availble at https://secure.cfwv.com/Financial_Aid_Planning/_default.aspx. Families can request assistance for webinars or other resources related to college at wvfinancialaid@wvhcpc.edu or by calling 304-558-4619.  All sessions will also be available in recordings on cfwv.com for those who are unable to attend webinars.