OCTOBER 1, 2020 — LEAP Tampa Bay encourages students and adults to take the first step in applying for need-based and merit-based financial aid for college today, the first day the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-2022 year is available to download at www.studentaid.gov Qualifying students can receive more than $6,000…
Read MoreLEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network welcomes a new completion coach, Matt Smith, who will manage LEAP’s new coaching initiative, designed to re-engage local working-age adults in education and training. Called Complete Tampa Bay, it will directly assist those with prior college or technical training experience by providing free, personalized coaching and support to help…
Read MoreIt’s been a minute since COVID has taken over our world, and it has been longer than a minute since we’ve officially been “back to school”. Next week, Tampa Bay area colleges will be opening their doors to a very different school environment. Some students will report back to brick and mortar campuses, while some…
Read MoreIt’s the middle of summer and the last thing on your mind is back to school, right? The high temps, the beach, the downtime, COVID-19 – it’s enough to make anyone forget about school for a while! The reality is that fall is around the corner and it’s never too late to start on preparing…
Read MoreCalled Complete Tampa Bay, the new partnership initiative will provide free, personalized coaching and assistance for those with prior college or technical training experience LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network (LEAP Tampa Bay), a network of more than 50 community partners committed to changing lives by connecting residents to education and training beyond high school,…
Read MoreLEAP Tampa Bay recently hosted a webinar featuring local college admissions and financial aid counselors who answered questions about everything from “summer melt” to applying for financial aid. Nearly two dozen high school guidance counselors attended the hour-long webinar and walked away with information about higher education’s plans amidst the changing landscape due to COVID-19.…
Read MoreAs if the process of applying to college isn’t intimidating enough, throw in a financial aid application and it’s enough to discourage even the most dedicated students. To make matters worse, each year, millions of financial aid dollars go unclaimed because students just do not apply! Enter the new chatbot created by the Benefits Data…
Read MoreLEAP Tampa Bay partner, Helios Education Foundation, announced today that it will partner with Take Stock in Children to support postsecondary students affected by COVID-19. Named the Florida COVID-19 Student Support Initiative, it will encourage students’ retention, persistence, and success in completing their postsecondary degree, despite the uncertain climate surrounding the global pandemic. These students,…
Read MoreOne of LEAP Tampa Bay partners, Junior Achievement (JA) of Tampa Bay, is providing much needed resources for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. JA is offering free online learning resources for students, teachers, parents and guardians. Students from K-12 can explore career choices, create resumes, gain critical thinking skills and learn appropriate workplace behavior. JA…
Read MoreTwo LEAP Tampa Bay partners, Helios Education Foundation and the Florida College Access Network, have created a playbook for the purpose of making the financial aid application process easier for students. Students often wonder how they can cover the costs of a college education and many, including both young adults graduating from high school as…
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