26 Oct 2023

Iowa Department of Education Releases New State School Performance Ratings and Federal Designations

By Heather Doe

DES MOINES, IOWA (October 26, 2023) — The Iowa Department of Education has released the new Iowa School Performance Profiles, which includ

10 May 2023

Four Iowa students named 2023 US Presidential Scholars

By Heather Doe

DES MOINES, IOWA (May 10, 2023) — Four Iowa high-school students have been named to the 59th class of US Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high-school students. The program recognizes up to 161 high-school seniors from across the country for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

Iowa’s US Presidential Scholars are:

01 Jul 2010

Iowa College Aid Provides Career and College Planning Tips through Social Media Networking Sites

By Heather Doe
Find Iowa College Aid and I Have a Plan Iowa on Facebook®, TwitterTM, and YouTube

Des Moines, IA, June 29, 2010- Iowa students and families can receive the latest college planning, career planning and financial literacy tips by following the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) and I Have a Plan IowaTM on Facebook® and TwitterTM and viewing video clips on YouTube.
"We know that the social media movement is changing how students seek and share information," said Karen Misjak, executive director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. "As Iowa's official state resource to help students and families plan, prepare and pay for college, it is important that our information is available where it is most convenient for them," Misjak explained. "Social networking enables us to interact and communicate with Iowa students and families in a new environment."

Students and families interested in learning about college planning and financial literacy can click on the Facebook®, TwitterTM or YouTube badges on Iowa College Aid's website, www.IowaCollegeAid.gov, to receive college planning tips, post questions, participate in discussions, and view student and parent interviews. The social networking pages for I Have a Plan IowaTM, accessible through the links on www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, primarily focus on career planning and employment opportunities.

Iowa College Aid is the state agency that administers Iowa's student aid programs, the GEAR UP Iowa program, the I Have a Plan IowaTM statewide community web portal and serves as the state-designated administrator of the U.S. Department of Education's College Access Challenge Grant. To learn more about how these programs help Iowa families plan, prepare and pay for college, contact the Iowa College Aid Information Service Center at 877-272-4456 or visit www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.

About the Iowa College Student Aid Commission
As the state's designated guaranty agency for the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), Iowa College Aid provides college access, financial literacy, and outreach services to Iowa's students and families as they prepare, plan and pay for college. Iowa College Aid also administers state scholarship, grant, work study, and loan forgives programs totaling over $68.5 Million annually, provides borrowers with assistance to avoid the serious consequences of default, conducts research and distributes higher education data, and offers Iowans assistance in obtaining student financial aid
and college-related information. Through its role, Iowa College Aid also serves as the state-designated administrator of the U.S. Department of Education's College Access Challenge Grant, which is designed to increase the college-going culture in Iowa. Additionally, Iowa College Aid is the administrator of the Federal GEAR-UP Grant, a multi-year state-wide grant which is being utilized to provide early awareness programming and outreach initiatives to thousands of Iowa's students and families. More information is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov

25 May 2010

Vote to Fund Program to Help Thousands of Iowans Learn Money Management Skills

By Heather Doe

We need your help!

The Iowa College Student Aid Commission is in the running for a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant. If funded, the grant will be used to incorporate a financial literacy resource in the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov. We have the potential to impact the future of nearly every Iowa student to help them learn good money management skills.

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an open voting system, and we need to rank in the top 10 in the $50,000 category on May 31, 2010 to receive funding. Public involvement is needed to ensure we get the votes.

How Iowans can help:
1. Register at www.refresheverything.com
2. Vote every day in May at: www.refresheverything.com/
missionmoneycontrol
3. Spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers, colleagues, and, of course, your social networking groups.

Thank you so much for your help! We really need a big boost this last week of voting.  Too many young adults graduate from high school and college unprepared to take control of their finances. Receiving this grant could help us change that for Iowa's youth.

Thank you,

Heather Doe
Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
515-725-3417
06 May 2010

Iowa College Student Aid Commission Vies for Pepsi Refresh Grant to Fund Financial Literacy Curriculum

By Heather Doe

Supporters can vote online now through May 31, 2010 at www.refresheverything.com/missionmoneycontrol

Des Moines, IA., May, 4, 2010 - The Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) is in the running for a Pepsi Refresh Grant that would help fund an interactive, web-based financial literacy curriculum to empower teenagers and young adults with the knowledge to make smart financial decisions.

Iowa College Aid's financial literacy program, "Mission: Money Control", is just one of many projects in the running for a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant during the month of May. The 10 projects with the most votes in this category at the end of the month will receive funding.  If Iowa College Aid's project is funded, the grant will be used to expand the Mission Money Control program to include an online financial literacy resource. Over 150,000 students and families in Iowa would have free access to the program through the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov.

"Too many young adults graduate from high school and college unprepared to take control of their financial futures," stated Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid. "We hope to change that  by incorporating an online financial literacy curriculum into the www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov web portal," Misjak said.  "Students in Iowa middle and high schools already use the web portal to create high school course plans and explore career and college programs best suited to their interests, values and strengths.  Incorporating financial literacy curriculum into the web portal makes sense.  We can impact the future of nearly every Iowa student if we receive this grant, but we need to get the word out to make that happen."

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an open voting system, so public involvement is needed to receive the grant.

What you can do to help:

  1. Register at www.refresheverything.com
  2. Vote daily during May at: www.refresheverything.com/missionmoneycontrol
  3. Spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers, colleagues, and, of course, your social networking groups.

For more information about the Mission: Money Control project, contact Iowa College Aid's Information Service Center at 877-272-4456.  More information about financial aid and products and services that help Iowa families plan, prepare and pay for college is available on Iowa College Aid's website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.

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11 Mar 2010

Iowa College Aid Announces Free ACT®, SAT® and GRE® Test Prep

By Heather Doe

Students can prepare for free at www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov

Des Moines, IA., March 10, 2009 - Iowa students have access to a free test preparation resource to help them prepare for quickly approaching ACT® and SAT® test dates. Free online ACT® and SAT® test prep, available through Iowa's statewide community portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, adapts to the skill level of the user, provides personal tutoring with immediate feedback on every incorrect answer, and sends emails about what to study next. There also is a test prep component for the GRE®, an admissions test used by many graduate and business schools to evaluate readiness for graduate level work. A separate vocabulary builder helps all students increase their vocabulary in preparation for testing.

The Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) launched www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov in 2009 to help students progress through middle school, high school, college and beyond and to provide tools for adults seeking education and employment opportunities. "We believe all Iowans should have the same opportunities to prepare for college admissions exams," said Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid. "Iowa families could save nearly $1.5 million if every Iowa high school junior and senior takes advantage of the free test preparation at www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov. It is important for all Iowans to have a plan for accomplishing their college and employment goals. The State of Iowa is committed to providing the tools and resources needed
to make that a reality."

While the ACT® and SAT® are both standardized college admissions tests accepted by most colleges and universities, there are differences. Students should first check to see if the colleges they are interested in attending prefer one test over the other. If either test is accepted, Iowa College Aid recommends students keep the following differences in mind when determining which test is best suited to their skills and strengths.

The ACT® tests students on subject matter covered in high school while the SAT® is considered an aptitude test that measures reasoning or critical thinking. The ACT® has four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The SAT® has three sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing.  The SAT has a required writing section, while the writing section is optional in the ACT.  While both the ACT® and SAT® are primarily multiple choice tests (except for the writing section), the SAT has a math section that requires students to produce their own answers.  The SAT® penalizes students slightly for wrong answers, while the ACT® does not.

For more information about the free test prep and other resources available through www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov , students and families can contact Iowa College Aid's Information Service Center at 877-272-4456. In addition, more information to help Iowa families plan, prepare and pay for college is available on Iowa College Aid's website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.

###

About the Iowa College Student Aid Commission
As the state's designated guaranty agency for the Family Federal Education Loan Program (FFELP), Iowa College Aid guarantees more than $853 million annually in student loans from private lenders to support over 78,000 Iowa students and parents.. In addition, Iowa College Aid administers state  scholarship, grant, work study, and loan forgiveness programs totaling over $68.5 million, provides borrowers with assistance to avoid the serious consequences of default, conducts research and distributes higher education data, and offers Iowans assistance in obtaining student financial aid
and college-related information. More information is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.

04 Feb 2010

College-Bound Students Should Apply Now for Financial Aid

By Heather Doe


Des Moines, IA, February 3, 2010 - Now is the time for college-bound students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2010-2011 academic year.  The FAFSA is a standardized federal form used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and in some cases, institutional financial aid.
Filing the FAFSA is easier this year with fewer questions to answer and a simplified online process.  "We encourage students and parents to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov because it contains instructions, help features, and built-in edits to reduce applicant error," explained Karen Misjak, Executive Director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid).  "It is also processed faster than the paper version, which can be an important factor when meeting financial aid deadlines."

Iowa College Aid urges all college-bound students to complete the FAFSA regardless of their financial situation.  "Most families are eligible for some form of financial aid, but they need to apply early to meet the priority deadlines associated with different programs," said Misjak.
To help Iowa families, Iowa College Aid offers the following FAFSA filing tips.

File the FAFSA no matter your financial situation.  Even if you do not think you will qualify for need-based financial aid, you should still file the FAFSA.  Many colleges require that you file the FAFSA to be considered for institutional aid.  In addition, you are required to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for federal Stafford loans.

Never pay to file the FAFSA.  You can file the FAFSA for free at www.fafsa.gov.  Reputable resources, such as Iowa College Aid, are available to help you for free.

Meet state and college deadlines.  Many states, including Iowa, have a FAFSA filing deadline for state-funded scholarships, grants and work-study opportunities.  To be eligible for Iowa-funded financial aid your FAFSA must be completed and received at the federal processing center prior to July 1, 2010.  You also need to complete the Iowa Financial Aid Application, which can be accessed through the statewide community web portal,

www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov.  Keep in mind, most colleges and universities have earlier financial aid deadlines.  Students should check with their college of choice to determine its priority deadline for financial aid and if additional documentation is required.

Double check information to avoid delays.  Review your FAFSA information before you submit it for processing.  Make sure the student's Social Security number and the parent's Social Security number are typed in the correct spaces.  Mix-ups like these will cause processing delays.

Electronically sign your FAFSA.  The electronic application is not complete until both the student and parent electronically sign the FAFSA using their Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Numbers (PIN).  You can apply for student and parent PINs while completing the FAFSA online, or you can go to the Federal Student Aid PIN website at www.pin.ed.gov.

Students and families who have questions about applying for financial aid, or are interested in learning more about the resources available through the statewide community web portal, can contact Iowa College Aid's Information Service Center at 877-272-4456.  In addition, more information to help Iowa families plan, prepare and pay for college is available on Iowa College Aid's website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.

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21 Jan 2010

New Process Simplifies State Financial Aid Process for Students

By Heather Doe
The Iowa College Student Aid Commission announced today the launch of the new online Iowa Financial Aid Application, making the Iowa-administered financial aid process easier for students.  The application, which can be accessed through the statewide community web portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, allows students to complete one application for multiple state-administered programs.

Now is the time for students planning to attend college in the fall to file for financial aid.  It is important that they know about the deadlines and new process for filing for state financial aid in order to ensure they receive the most funding possible.

The attached word document contains more information on the Iowa Financial Aid Application.

If you have any questions, please contact me by telephone at 515-725-3417 or by email at heather.doe@iowa.gov.
12 Mar 2009

Iowa College Aid Brings Scholarship Opportunity to Davenport Area Middle School Students

By Heather Doe

GEAR UP Incentive Grants Help Raise Student College Aspiration and Preparation Levels in Iowa

Des Moines, IA., March 11, 2009 - More than 5,400 Iowa middle school students and their families have been given an opportunity to participate in a federal program that promotes student academic success.  The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) is a federal grant that promotes state and community partnerships to help low-income and minority middle and high school students succeed in planning, preparing and paying for college.  Students eligible to participate in the program will receive scholarships that can be used to pay education expenses at the college of their choice.  Iowa was one of seven states to be awarded a new state GEAR UP grant in 2008 and will receive $2.8 million annually for a total of six years.

GEAR UP Iowa, administered by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid), will provide resources and services to 31 Iowa schools.  The 2008-2009 7th grade students in the Davenport School District, attending JB Young, Frank L. Smart, Williams, and Wood middle schools will receive year-round support in areas such as:

  • Early and ongoing academic planning, counseling, and assessment.
  • Tutoring and mentoring for academic improvement.
  • Information sessions on college admissions and financial aid.
  • Career exposure, job shadowing, and college field trips.
  • Outreach activities that encourage increased involvement for parents and families.
  • Increased access to after-school and support programs.
The program follows the students as they progress from 7th grade to 12th grade.  Upon graduation, each eligible student is guaranteed a portion of the $16.8 million reserved to award college scholarships.  "GEAR UP Iowa will provide life-changing opportunities for many Iowa middle school students," stated Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid.  "This program offers scholarships to those most in need of assistance and at risk of not attending college.  GEAR UP Iowa provides the resources to help students succeed academically and allows them to focus and expand on their life goals."
GEAR UP Iowa relies on a network of service organizations, schools, colleges, and community members to assist in providing the components needed in building a strong GEAR UP program.  Iowa College Aid's GEAR UP representatives look forward to developing relationships with the 31 selected schools and their communities.  More information about the GEAR UP Iowa program is available at Iowa College Aid's website at www.iowacollegeaid.gov or by contacting a GEAR UP Iowa representative at 877-272-4456.

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