GEAR UP Mississippi's parents want to help their students become successful in all they do. We also realize parents want help in preparing their children for college. Below are links and documents to help parents prepare.

Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence (PDF)

Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence (Spanish) (PDF)

Financial Aid Myths

Choosing the Right College

Types of Colleges

12 Things Parents Should Know (PDF)

11 Ways to Protect You Kids from Drugs

American College Testing -ACT

Collegeboard.com

College Savings Mississippi

FAFSA on the Web - U.S. Department of Education

FinAid: The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid

MISSISSIPPI.gov- Links to Higher Education

National GEAR UP site

National Legislation Goals for GEAR UP

UPromise.com: Helping Families Save for College

Why Early College Awareness? - Adobe PDF file

Ask questions whenever you have a concern

Build your child’s confidence with regular communication

Clarify language you don’t understand

Dig into your child’s schoolwork and know what is going on

E-mail your child’s teacher or principal

Follow up with teachers and others at your school

Gather information on how your school works

Have patience when trying to reach teachers

Inform your school about issues important to your child

Join parent organizations and school committees

Keep up-to-date on school events and activities

Let teachers know you want good communication

Meet people whenever you can and share good news

Never go away feeling confused or angry

Organize your questions before attending school meetings

Provide a good example with good communication

Question teachers about other programs that could help your child

Read and respond to notices your child brings home

Spend time learning with your child

Thank your child for sharing school news

Understand school rules — and why they’re important

Voice your concerns with those who can solve the problem

Wade through the red tape if it appears

X-out what isn’t essential when communicating about school

Yearn to help others helping your child succeed

Zero in on the messages vital to a great school experience

Created by the National School Public Relations Association to help schools and parents build strong partnerships © 2003 National School Public Relations Association,nspra@nspra.org ● www.nspra.org

High School presents new opportunities and challenges for students. High schools are usually larger in size than middle schools and the coursework is more rigorous. They are expected to be more independent and more responsible.

Students will be earning credits toward graduation. The grades they earn in high school are important because they help determine the college they can enter or the jobs they can expect when they graduate.

If is important for you to keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your children and listen to what they say. Offer encourgament.

One thing you will find helpful is a school handbook. Most high schools have one. It will provide information on policies, procedures, code of conduct, rules and regulations. You can ask the school your child will attend for one. Read through it and keep it for reference. If you have any questions, call the school for more information. Set up an appointement to visit the school.

Below are some web sites with helpful information.

The Parents Guide to High School
http://www.eduation.com/grade/high-school/
Top Ten Homework Tips for Parents
http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/68
Transition from Middle School to High School
www.nmsa.org/portals/0/pdf/publications/On-Target/transitioning_hs/transitiioning_hs_4.pdf

Some parents believe they can’t afford to send their child to college. Though college can be costly there are ways for students to obtain financial assistance. GEAR UP Mississippi and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning have established a scholarship fund for eligible GEAR UP students. More specific information about scholarships will be available on this page in the future.

For more information go to these sites:

http://www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/scholarship.php

www.fastweb.com

Savings

One way to pay for college is through savings. Start saving for college now! Open a savings account at a financial institution just for your child's college education. The State of Mississippi has the Mississippi Affordable College Savings Program (MACS) and the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program (MPACT). Information on these programs is available at www.collegesavingsms.org

Grants

Grants are usually given to students who need the most assistance. Grants do not need to be paid back. Grants are given through the federal government, state government, private organizations and universities and colleges. In order to receive a federal grant, your child must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  GEAR UP Mississippi conducts workshops each year to aid in FAFSA preparation.  

Scholarships

Students receive scholarships for many reasons. Some include good grades, musical talent, sports and cultural or religious background. Scholarships go directly to the college the student will attend or in some cases directly to the student. Scholarships do not have to be paid back.

Loans

Loans can be obtained from a financial institution or the government. There are many different types of loans, but all must be repaid. Contact your bank or other financial institution for the availability of loans. Information about federal government loans can be found at www.salliemae.com

Work-Study

A lot of students work while they are in college. Colleges can help your child find jobs on campus. Most work-study students work 15 hours a week. The money students earn can be applied towards tuition, room and board or personal expenses.