Five FAME Programs That You May Not Know About

FAME offers a variety of resources for Maine students, families and the professionals that serve them. This month's 5 on the 5th is intended to remind you of some of the things that FAME has to offer.

1.  Attend College While in High School - Challenge ME Grants

This grant program is intended for low-income students pursuing a high school diploma or GED. Students may be eligible for a grant to help cover the costs of enrolling in a college course (tuition, fees and books) or taking an AP test. A high school counselor or adult education advisor must certify eligible students. Interested students should contact their school counselor or advisor.

Most states offer tax-advantaged investment plans, called Section 529 plans, to help families save for qualified higher education expenses.  Special benefits, including matching grants, are available to Maine residents through Maine's plan, NextGen.  For more information, visit www.famemaine.com/nextgen.

The FAME Web site includes a variety of free search tools to help students explore careers, colleges, and scholarships:

• FAME's Maine-based Scholarship Search includes over 100 scholarships available to Maine residents. There are also links to free national scholarship searches.
• FAME's Maine-based College Search provides an overview of each Maine college. Interesting information on costs, courses, locations, and other facts can be found through this search.
• FAME's Career Search allows students to explore careers that match their personality traits and interests. Students can link directly to the ONET Online Web site for information on wage, employment trends, and other areas.

Did you know that you can play FAME's Get a Life game online?  There's also a Get a Life Teacher's Guide.  Get a Life is an interactive financial literacy game created primarily for middle school and high school students.  Through this game, students learn about potential career options, college aspirations and financial education, including budgeting, wants vs. needs and making choices.  The game enables students to experiment with different careers and financial scenarios.

5.  FREE FAFSA Completion

During the months of January and February, FAME's College Access Team offers free FAFSA completion assistance throughout Maine through a program called College Goal Maine. At these events, college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the helpful support of a financial aid professional. Visit www.famemaine.com/education for more information.