Partner Implementation Guide

In Partnership with:

• Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) • Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC) • Kentucky Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA) • Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)

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Close the Deal Counselors’ Resources

Here you will find information on how to implement and manage your own Close the Deal (CTD) program. Included are resources that will help you connect to representatives from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and Close the Deal partners, plan your Close the Deal events and engage community leaders and businesses in building a college-going culture at your school or organization. These resources are samples compiled from past Close the Deal events and can be edited, revised, and custom designed to fit your school or organization’s needs.

Part I: What is Close the Deal? Close the Deal Staff Contact Sheet ......................................................................................................... 2

Helping High School Seniors Close the Deal on College ................................................................ 3

Close the Deal Timeline ............................................................................................................................. 4

Article: “Officials launch Close the Deal, program to challenge high school seniors to pursue

additional education.” ................................................................................................................................. 5

Article: “Close the Deal opens doors for students” ............................................................................. 7

Close the Deal Faculty Summary and Advice .................................................................................... 9

Part II: Plan Your Event Close the Deal Event Checklist ............................................................................................................ 10

Event Agenda ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Letter to Community Leaders from Superintendent or Principal ......................................... 13

Thank You Email to Volunteers. .......................................................................................................... 14

Volunteer Contact Information ........................................................................................................... 15

Volunteer Round Table Discussion Topics .................................................................................... 16

Faculty Memo ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Student Expectations .............................................................................................................................. 18

Sample Room and Table Arrangements .......................................................................................... 20

Student Exit Ticket .................................................................................................................................. 21

Part III: Additional Information Customizing the Message to Seniors ................................................................................................ 22

Data Report ................................................................................................................................................ 23

Frequently Asked Questions/Guiding Questions ......................................................................... 24

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Close the Deal Contact Sheet

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) MAIN CONTACT: Susan Hopkins Director of Outreach Services shopkins@kheaa.com Phone: 502-696-7379 Kim Dolan Assistant Director of Outreach Services kdolan@kheaa.com Phone: 502-329-7206 Steven Held College Info Road Show Counselor sheld@kheaa.com Phone: 502-352-5697 Council on Postsecondary Education Bruce Brooks GEAR UP Executive Director bruce.brooks@ky.gov Phone: 502-573-4327

Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC) Jennifer Young Assistant Director of Outreach Services Murray State University jyoung1@.murraystate.edu Phone: 270-809-3036 Kentucky Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA) Beth Mekus Financial Aid Counselor University of Kentucky beth.mekus@euky.edu Phone: 859-218-1263 Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Brigette Stacy 21st CCLC SEA Coordinator Consolidated Plans & Audits brigette.stacy@education.ky.gov Phone: 502-564-1473

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Helping High School Seniors Close the Deal on College

In Kentucky, community members, elected officials and others are joining with secondary and post-secondary institutions and business organizations to help students make the transition from high school to college and other post-secondary education or training. Operation Preparation and Close the Deal are low-cost ways to make a real difference for the future of any community. Quite simply, Close the Deal:

• Creates a college-going culture that reinforces the connections between enhanced education and successful or accelerated career paths.

• Provides support for and creates a sense of urgency on the part of students applying for college.

• Builds “college knowledge” that helps students make informed choices about their futures.

As a Close the Deal partner your school will:

• Gain access to post-secondary institutions across the state. • Receive support in planning and coordinating education fairs and celebratory

events and in enhancing communication with the state’s postsecondary institutions. Your role in Close the Deal: School counselors and administrators

• Track your students’ success! Keep up-to-date records of senior class size, number of students who have applied, been admitted, and enrolled in college and amount of scholarship money received.

• Coordinate education fairs and celebratory events with help from the Close the Deal team.

• Recruit community leaders and officials to promote Close the Deal. Elected officials and community leaders

• Get the message out by attending the Close the Deal event and personally delivering the message about the importance of going to college.

• Challenge students to apply to at least one college or university. • Work with principals, counselors and students to get them the assistance they need. • Celebrate and encourage! Acknowledge students’ hard work and continually

challenge students to achieve more.

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Close the Deal Timeline

August

• Begin to plan Close the Deal event with KHEAA regional and mobile outreach counselors, school admissions personnel and Close the Deal partners.

• Close the Deal school dates are confirmed. • Introduce Close the Deal to elected officials, community & business leaders, and

school administrators. • Encourage seniors to visit www.kheaa.com to create a MyKHEAA account and

complete their Individual Learning Plans (ILP).

October

• Hold a Close the Deal event.

November or December

• Counselors follow up with seniors to discuss their plans beyond high school. • College admissions representatives visit the high school and meet with students. • Assist students with completing college applications. (Find out more about

KHEAA’s College Application Month initiative at kycollegeappmonth.com) • Students should add Close the Deal to college planning activities in their ILP.

January, February, and March

• Assist students and families in completing FAFSA forms. (Contact your regional KHEAA Outreach Counselor for help in assisting students. Find your counselor at kheaa.com/website/kheaa/counselors?main=6)

• Continue visits with college admissions representatives. • Take students on visits to college campuses. • Participate in Operation Preparation in March

April

• Begin planning Close the Deal Celebration events. • Continue visits to college campuses.

May

• Hold a Close the Deal Celebration event to recognize students that have been accepted or received scholarships.

• Send final data report to Close the Deal partners.

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Officials launch Close the Deal, program to challenge high school seniors to pursue additional education

ALEXANDRIA, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2012) – Local officials, educators, the business community and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson launched a state pilot program today challenging Campbell County High School seniors to pursue additional education after they graduate.

The Close the Deal initiative creates a college-going culture in high schools for students who aren’t yet considering higher education. The program supports high school counselors, and engages the business and post-secondary communities in helping these students attain further education past high school.

At today’s Close the Deal launch, seniors met with college representatives regarding how to apply for admission and financial aid, while local business leaders outlined the skills needed for current and future opportunities.

“We started Close the Deal when I was mayor of Louisville because we realized that many talented students who would earn a high school diploma had no idea what to do next. Since then, more than 5,400 students have learned how to continue their education thanks to the program, and it’s still going strong in Louisville,” Abramson said. “Now we are partnering with Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Terry Holliday and launching the initiative in Campbell County to engage even more high school seniors.”

Abramson said like him, many of these students will be first generation college-goers.

The successful launch of Close the Deal at Campbell County High School is because of the partnership between state and local officials, educators and business leaders who want seniors to pursue higher education, “whether through community college for a certificate or a two-year associate degree, or a traditional four-year university,” he said.

The Close the Deal event will give seniors the chance to engage in crucial conversations with college admissions, financial aid and business experts as they carefully plan their next steps, said Campbell County Superintendent Glen Miller.

“I am so anxious to see the positive impact that Close the Deal will have on our seniors. I believe it will create a sharp focus on their next steps after high school,” said Renee Boots, principal of Campbell County High School. “We are honored to be chosen for this opportunity and all it will bring for our students.”

Officials at Campbell County High School will continue to work with seniors throughout the school year, further educating them on the need for additional education upon graduation. Through Close the Deal, counselors will encourage students to apply to at least one college or university.

In taking Close the Deal statewide, Abramson formed a partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education to add the program to the department’s “Operation Preparation” initiative.

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Lane Report Continued

Operation Preparation was launched in March and combines the efforts of the Department of Education and the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet to discuss life after high school with students.

“Close the Deal complements Operation Preparation’s mission, which is to encourage partnerships between communities and their schools to ensure that students are ready for college and careers,” said Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “Close the Deal provides students with the information and tools they will need to explore higher education options, raising their comfort levels and knowledge as they prepare for life after high school.”

Abramson will join local officials to launch Close the Deal at two other participating schools – Bullitt Central High School on Oct. 9, and Lawrence County High School on Oct. 22. Abramson said he is hopeful that additional high schools will join the program in the coming years.

Students receive college information at Gallatin County High School

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Close the Deal opens doors for students Susan Riddell, October 30th, 2012

Lawrence County High School seniors strolled through their gymnasium last Monday, looking for their names on place cards.

Once all seated, they dined on a catered meal while watching a slideshow of Lawrence County High alumni. Each alumni photo included the person’s name, college, degree information and his or her current profession and place of residence.

That slideshow – which was part of the kickoff event for a new college-going program being piloted in the district called Close the Deal — will someday include the 136 seniors watching it. “We want to put into motion the notion that all of you are college- and career-ready,” Lawrence County school district Superintendent Mike Armstrong told students.

Close the Deal, which was spearheaded several years ago by Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson and other educational stakeholders in the Louisville area, gathers high school seniors to meet college recruiters and representatives from financial institutions that help students pay for college.

The program is being expanded this year to include Bullitt, Campbell and Lawrence county public schools. Similar kickoff events were held in Campbell and Bullitt counties earlier this month.

At the Lawrence County event, 19 advisers fielded questions from the students and offered guidance on applying for and getting accepted into a college. Recent college graduates, many who graduated from Lawrence County High, also met with students to share personal experiences and offer tips to get ready for college.

“Ninety percent of the fastest growing jobs require training beyond high school,” said Education Commissioner Terry Holliday, who also attended the event. “Finishing high school is just the first part of the process. We want all Kentucky students to finish the process and get that degree or certification needed to get that job they want.”

During the kickoff, students took part in three 15-minute table sessions that included discussions that ranged from scheduling classes to filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms to talking or retaking the ACT college entrance exam. One student asked how she could avoid taking remedial mathematics in college. Another wanted to know if her annual Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) money would decrease if she struggled in college despite earning a 4.0 grade point average in high school.

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Some college representatives encouraged students to get involved in college by doing what joining clubs and service organizations while KHEAA representatives shared information about scholarships, grants, work-study options and loans.

While Close the Deal focuses on getting students prepared to enter a trade school or a four-year or two-year postsecondary institution, it also partners well with the Kentucky Department of Education’s Operation Preparation initiative, which involves community advisors meeting with state 8th and 10th graders to talk about Individual Learning Plan (ILP) use and career interests.

“We’re excited that what began last year as a weeklong event will run for all of March,” Sharon Johnston, a program consultant in the Office of Next-Generation Learners with the Kentucky Department of Education, said about Operation Preparation. “Operation Preparation gets 8th and 10th graders thinking about college and career, and Close the Deal for seniors is the next step.”

While Close the Deal serves as a one-day event, schools are encouraged to have continuous conversations with students throughout the year. Guidance counselors are always ready to help students reach targeted goals, both Holliday and Abramson said.

But teachers must do their part, too.

Engineering teacher Brad West, who is in his fourth year at Lawrence County High, spent October having his students complete a series of activities that prepared students to interview someone in a STEM-related field.

After completing the interview – coupled with independent research – students developed a report discussing the person’s career field, education requirements, salary, job demands, work locations and more. They later presented their report to classmates.

“Close the Deal is a very beneficial culminating activity that will hopefully act as a catalyst in the students to take the many things that they have gained throughout the process, package it all up and take the next step in their young adult lives,” West said.

Eddie Dixon is a social studies teacher at Lawrence County High. He said teachers and counselors are routinely reviewing data linked to ILPs. “We are basing our instruction and assessments on this data,” he said. “In designing our classroom methodology, we feel it will be instrumental in providing our students with a path in which they can ‘Close the Deal’ upon graduating from Lawrence County High School.”

Students at each school completed surveys after meeting with college and financial representatives. Johnston said students appreciated the opportunity based on survey results and that they were saying they’d ideally like more time with the representatives for deeper, more meaningful conversations.

“That’s something we should be able to provide them in future Close the Deal events,” Johnston said.

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Close the Deal Faculty Summary and Advice What is it? A program designed to support seniors who are interested in going to college through all steps of the process. It isn’t just a one day event!

Who is involved? The community, the mayor, area colleges, your counselors and most importantly—our students will be directly involved with the program.

How does it work?

Early Fall — KHEAA staff and partner organizations host a “kickoff” event at the school encouraging seniors to apply to college. College experts talk to students about admissions, college life, and financial aid. November/December — school counselors interview seniors to talk about their plans beyond high school to prepare, print aggregate report of student goals, careers of interest and schools of interest. PLAN ACTIVITIES TO HELP SENIORS APPLY DURING COLLEGE APPLICATION MONTH! (Find out more about KHEAA’s College Application Month initiative at kycollegeappmonth.com)

January — students get help filling out FAFSA and financial aid forms from KHEAA outreach staff and begin interviews with college representatives. MAKE IT YOUR GOAL TO HAVE EACH SENIOR COMPLETE/SUBMIT A FASFA FORM!

March — students visit a college campus; college reps meet with students; seniors start filling out applications.

May — Local officials host an assembly to celebrate college acceptances.

Advice from a former Close the Deal Counselor

“One of the best pieces of advice that I could give to schools starting this would be three-fold.

1. Talk to the class as a whole and explain the expectations.

2. Present "talking points" to the senior teachers so that they can reinforce the expectations. Review how the ILP can help them to set and reach goals for life after graduation.

3. Involve others in the preparation (our welding class made the stands for the table numbers, my class officers were the first to know about the program and they "talked it up" with their classmates, the entire faculty heard about the program at a faculty meeting and they were included in e-mails as the event neared). “

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Close the Deal Event Checklist

⧠ Inform Staff with information about Close the Deal.

⧠ Inform students of event and expectations.

⧠ Invite volunteers for round table talks. Invite volunteers for round table talks:

• Coordinate financial aid experts with your regional outreach counselor (see directory on page 2) or with Susan Hopkins, KHEAA, Director of Outreach Services, shopkins@kheaa.com or 502-696-7379.

• Contact colleges to invite representatives and ensure attendance at event. • Contact community volunteers and local college students to serve as college-

life/community participants.

⧠ Create an event agenda.

⧠ Request local chambers, elected officials, and sponsors to attend and contribute

(box lunches, door prizes, etc).

⧠ Create a diagram of your event space with tables, etc.

⧠ Confirm volunteer and round table speaker attendance.

⧠ Create student entrance and exit tickets.

⧠ Organize communication materials: place articles about CTD in the school

newsletter, on the website, and in materials sent home to parents.

⧠ Use the all-call or one-call system to make parents aware of the event.

⧠ Assign someone to direct traffic/help with parking on the day of the event.

⧠ Set up a registration table for volunteers.

⧠ Confirm lunch delivery and set up.

⧠ Create a decorations committee.

⧠ Create a set up committee.

⧠ Create a clean-up committee.

⧠ Contact local media for coverage of the event.

⧠ Ask students to prepare a list of questions for table talk presenters.

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Event Agenda-SAMPLE

Close the Deal 10:10am – 1:35pm

General Agenda (all times are estimated – this agenda is to be used as a guideline for time)

10:05am Speakers and special guests head to the gym

10:10am Bell rings to move to gym

10:15am Principal of your High School welcomes the Students Principal introduces and welcomes the guest speaker

10:25am Guest speaker encourages students to go to further their education 10:40am Principal or Senior Counselor announces remainder of the program day

10:45am Lunch is served (LUNCH PROVIDED BY SPONSOR)

11:30am Clear up from lunch; proceed to “Table Talks”

“Table Talks” begin: 3 rounds of 20 minutes each with 5 minutes to switch tables – ring bell or blow whistle

11:35am Admissions Presentation

• Choosing the right college or university for you; the importance of college visits. Application process – how it works with schools – similarities and differences. Essay writing Dates and deadlines – what they really mean

11:40am Admissions Table Talk

12:05pm Financial Aid Presentation

• What you need to know about financial aid and why. Financial aid forms – how and when to complete. Scholarships and grants. Websites.

12:10pm Financial Aid Table Talk

12:35pm Student’s or Business Leader’s Perspective Presentation

• Life outside the classroom/need for skilled workforce

12:40pm Student’s or Business Leader’s Perspective Table Talk

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Event Agenda Continued

1:00pm School Senior Counselor announces Education Fair

1:05pm Education Fair begins

1:30pm Principal or Senior Counselor gives follow-up information

1:35pm Students leave to return to class

Note: This is a sample schedule. Each school can customize the event as necessary, and schedules will vary from school to school. One variation may be to start the event earlier and have the table talks and college fair prior to serving lunch.

Former Lt. Governor Abramson at Gallatin County High School

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Letter to Community Leaders from Superintendent or Principal- SAMPLE

Dear (NAME),

Last fall, former Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson challenged seniors at participating high schools to go to college or pursue post-secondary education or training. To support them, schools held college fairs and brought them information on admissions, financial aid, and what it’s like to go to college. The effort, called Close the Deal, increased the number of students with college acceptances and helped young people earn scholarships to help pay for education after high school. The effort was so successful that I want to invite you to help us Close the Deal in our community.

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) is taking the lead to help communities consider a similar outreach to high schools with low college-going rates to significantly increase college-going, and high school graduation rates. The team, which includes regional and mobile KHEAA outreach counselors, partners from other state organizations and representatives from regional colleges and universities, is offering to share their successful strategy with a team in our community on what we can do to motivate, advise and assist high school seniors.

Here is what past participants learned from Close the Deal: First, kids look up to and listen to their community leaders and elected officials; the young people listened when the former Lt. Governor told them that having a degree could mean an additional $1M in earnings over a lifetime, and paid attention when he challenged them to submit at least one college application. Second, they responded when Abramson told them that the community counts on their achieving post-secondary degrees to build the regional economy, and that people who are qualified for and hold 21st century jobs are valuable, tax-paying citizens who enjoy a great quality of life.

If they haven’t already done so, in the next week members of our school Close the Deal team will contact you with information on this program. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to initiate Close the Deal in our community.

Sincerely,

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Thank You Email to Volunteers-SAMPLE

Thank you all for volunteering for our Close the Deal event on DATE in the gymnasium at X HIGH SCHOOL.

If you are receiving this email, you have graciously volunteered to host a table at the Education Fair portion of the day and/or you are serving as one of our Table Talk presenters on Admissions, Financial Aid or College Life outside the Classroom/a Business Leader’s Perspective.

The event will begin promptly at 10:10am at X HIGH SCHOOL and we would like everything to be set up by 9:45am - this includes tables at the Education Fair. We will be there setting up the remainder of the event at 9:00am, please feel free to come and begin your set up process anytime between 9:15am and 9:45am. There will also be a brief information session at 9:50am wherein details of the day’s events will be given.

If you are speaking at one of our Table Talks - here are the key points we would like for you to discuss while at the tables with the students:

Admissions/Applications • Choosing the right college or university for you; the importance of college visits • Application process - how it works with schools - similarities and differences • Essay writing • Dates and deadlines - what they really mean

Financial Aid • What you need to know about financial aid and why • Financial aid forms - how and when to complete • Scholarships and grants • Websites and Resources

College Life outside the Classroom/Business Leader’s Perspective • College from a recent graduate's perspective • The importance of continuing your education from a business leader’s

perspective • Continue to use your ILP to search for scholarships and to build your resume

The program will end around 1:30pm and at this time you are free to leave and/or begin to take down your Education Fair table if you are hosting one. All volunteers will be provided with lunch on this day! If you have any additional questions - please do not hesitate to let me know! Thanks again for volunteering your time for this great program!

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Volunteer Contact Information - SAMPLE

Close the Deal Kickoff Event - [School Name] High School

Education Fair Tables

Representative Name School/Organization Email Address Phone Number

Admissions

Representative Name School/Organization Email Address Phone Number

Financial Aid

Representative Name School/Organization Email Address Phone Number

College Life

Representative Name School/Organization Email Address Phone Number

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Volunteer Round Table Discussion Topics- SAMPLE

How it works: you will be assigned to a table as a representative from one of three groups (Admissions, Financial Aid, recent college-grads/business leaders). Before the start of the program you will spend a few minutes eating with your first group. All representatives will spend lunch orienting students to the activities of the day. Below are talking points and suggestions for engaging students during this lunch period. Once the lunch period has concluded, the bell will sound for program - and the first Round Table – to begin. At this time, you should transition into your area of expertise (Admissions, financial Aid/FAFSA, and college life/business) and begin your presentation until the bell rings again, and you move to your next group. Lunch Talking Points • Begin by introducing yourself, your organization/university • What do they think of when they hear “college”? • Do they know anyone who’s gone to college? What are some reasons to go? • Introduce Close the Deal • Explain the round table discussions (20 min. rotating sessions, they stay put) • What happens after today?: One-on-One interviews with their counselor, help applying for financial aid, visits from school reps and visits to area campuses • Has anyone started thinking about life after graduation? • Has anyone already visited a college or know where they’re applying? • What questions can you think of for the representatives you’ll be talking to? Admissions/Applications • Choosing the right college or university for you; the importance of college visits. • Application process – how it works with schools – similarities and differences. • Essay writing. Dates and deadlines – what they really mean Financial Aid • What you need to know about financial aid and why. • Financial aid forms – how and when to complete. • Scholarships and grants- the ILP has over 1,500 scholarship opportunities. Recent Graduates/Business Leaders • Open with your name and your alma mater. Briefly discuss why you chose to go to college, what the application process was like, etc. • Academics: class scheduling, course intensity, difference between high school

classes and college classes, fields of study/choosing a major • Social: campus organizations (what were you involved in? How did you make friends? Dorm living (independence, meal plans, roommates) • Stay away from: “partying”, skipping class. Use good judgment. • Ask questions! What do they know about college? What are they anxious about? • If a business leader, why is it important to you to have an educated employee? • What benefits and opportunities (promotions, etc.) does higher education provide in

your business or organization?

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Faculty Memo-SAMPLE

Teachers: Please SHARE these expectations to your students in preparation for CLOSE THE DEAL

Close the Deal will take place on DATE; all current seniors will report to the gymnasium when they are dismissed from second period. Students are encouraged to dress up for this event. REMEMBER to use good judgment. No spaghetti straps, bare mid- drifts, or short skirts. If students do not choose to dress up they are expected to be in dress code. Seniors will be assigned a table to sit at the luncheon by teachers the Monday before the event. All tables will be clearly marked with numbers and placemats that will indicate your seat. X will be the first person to speak to the large group. He/she will introduce the guest speaker who will speak for about 15-20 minutes. After the speakers address the group, students will be called (a section of tables at a time) to get their box lunch and drink. After students finish eating, the “table talks” will begin. “Table talks” are the heart of the Close the Deal program. Students will remain at their table and they will participate in a total of THREE 20 minute discussions. The adult leading the discussion will rotate to a different table at the end of 20 minutes. So at the end of the hour, students will hear from an admissions professional, a financial aid professional, and either a student who has been through the college selection process before or a local business person. Students are expected to be RESPECTFUL when listening to all speakers. Keep in mind, the people that are here today are here to help you realize your goal to attend college. While they may represent the institution they work for – the most important thing that they represent is the college experience. Just like us, they want you to go to college too. Following the “Table talks” there will be a college information fair with representatives of regional colleges and universities. Seniors will have time to ask more specific questions to the representatives who are in attendance. If you don’t see the college that you are interested in attending, please write your name and preference down on a YELLOW piece of paper found on your table. Above all remember what X told you during the senior meeting: never underestimate the power of the first impression! From the moment that you walk into the gym, the college representatives will be seeing you. Make the impression that you leave with them a POSITIVE ONE!

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Student Expectations Sample Close the Deal X HIGH SCHOOL

Close the Deal is a program designed to support high school seniors as they transition from high school to college. It really isn’t just a one day event – but rather a year long program to get you into college.

On DATE, we are inviting you to a special luncheon event. This is something that doesn’t happen every day! We will bring important community members, college admissions and financial aid representatives and recent college students to our school that are available to help answer your questions about the college admission process. This will not be done in a large group – but rather in small groups of 7-8 students to 1 “college expert.”

X HIGH SCHOOL was selected to be a part of this special program because over the years, we have been working hard to increase the percentage of students going on to college – in fact, for the Class of X – transcripts were sent to X number of postsecondary schools.

The Class of X has set a higher goal – EVERY member of the graduating class will have an official/final transcript sent to at least one college/postsecondary program -- and EVERY member of the graduating class will also complete a financial aid form.

To achieve this goal, we need your help – we need you to participate. So many of you say that you want to go to college – and for some – this is where the conversation stops. This is your chance to follow through and check college out for yourself!

The third part of the program involves securing the money so that you can go to college. This is done through the completion of the FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Assistance). The first word is FREE – and there is a little secret that you need to know, especially if you qualify for free/reduced lunch – THERE WILL BE MONEY FOR YOU TO GO TO COLLEGE!

Right before graduation we will gather once again to count up the money that we have earned through the receipt of scholarships – or that we have earned through participating in dual credit and advanced placement programs. We will also see where the class of X has gotten accepted! X and I want to see your college admission letters of acceptance! We want to know the scholarships that you have received! We want you to “wear us out” in sending transcripts, asking about scholarships and recommendations to colleges on your behalf!

So you can see that we are really going to work for you – but in return – you must do 4 things to help yourself in this process.

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Student Expectations Sample Continued

The FOUR things that we ask of you are:

1. DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Be here on (Tuesday)! But not just on (Tuesday) –every day!

2. ASK QUESTIONS – Be an active participant in the discussions at your table. 3. DRESS PROFESSIONALLY – X has agreed that you can be out of dress code that day

– but if you don’t wish to dress up – then you must be in dress code or better. Please remember to show respect to our guests and dress professionally; no sagging pants, no inappropriate graphics on shirts, no spaghetti straps, bare mid-drifts, or short skirts. Remember: If students do not choose to dress up, they are expected to be in dress code. Keep in mind that representatives of area colleges and local business will be on hand to talk to you.

4. MAKE POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS! Don’t underestimate the power of the impression that you make from the moment that you walk into the gym on that day. People who hold your future in their hands will be watching you and they will form opinions of you. Make them POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS!

Table setup at Campbell County High School

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Sample Room and Table Arrangements

Former Lt. Governor Abramson addresses a table at Covington Holmes High School

Discussion table setup. It is recommended to have 8-10 students at each table.

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Student Exit Ticket – REQUIRED

Close the Deal College Preference Sheet My counselor’s name is: ___________________________________ I would like to major in: ___________________________________ My “dream college” is: ____________________________________________________ However, I would like to find out more information on the following colleges: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ My biggest fear about going to college is: ______________________________________ I will be the FIRST person to go to college in my family: yes or no I would like to work with a mentor who can help me navigate the College process: yes or no

I expect to enroll in college during the fall following my high school graduation: yes or no I agree to make the commitment to “Close the Deal” by making a sincere effort to • Use my ILP, counselors and any available resource to help me explore colleges that match my career interests • Complete (at least one) college application and submit my final transcript to the college of my choice • Access local, regional and college sponsored scholarships and complete and submit the FASFA (financial aid) papers that will assist me in locating finances to fund my college education I agree to make this commitment on this day, X.

Student signature here: ______________________________

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Customizing the Message to Seniors

Use these reports to customize class-wide or 1-1 meetings with students. This information allows you to individualize conversations that are relevant to each student by focusing on his/her plans for life after graduation and how the school can help them to reach their goals.

1. From the Advisor Homepage click on “ILP Reports”

2. Next click on the reports you would like to print.

3. Click on ”customize this report” to filter by grade, gender or ethnicity. Reports can be exported and printed in excel or text.

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Data Report-REQUIRED

Close the Deal – Tracking Impact

Expectations are that each high school would gather and report the following comparison data on their senior class. This would provide for a “before” and “after” analysis of Close the Deal.

Gather now - Class of X:

• # seniors enrolled • # seniors graduated • # seniors that applied to at least one PSE (and as % of graduating class) • Total # of applications from senior class • # seniors accepted to at least one PSE (and as % of graduating class) • # seniors enrolled in PSE as of (some date in fall X YEAR) • # seniors completing FAFSA on time • Total $ in scholarships earned • $ scholarships / student Gather by End of the School Year: Should be able to gather and report all for X YEAR, and for class of X YEAR, all but the number enrolled.

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Frequently Asked Questions/Guiding Questions

Q. What is Close the Deal and why is it important for my school?

A. Quite simply, Close the Deal: • Creates a college-going culture that reinforces the connections between enhanced

education and successful or accelerated career paths. • Provides support for and creates a sense of urgency on the part of students applying

for college. • Builds “college knowledge” that helps students make informed choices about their

futures. Q. What does my school need to do to be a part of Close the Deal?

A. There are a few steps that will align to many of your current work with seniors:

• Introduce Close the Deal to elected officials, community & business leaders, and school administrators.

• Begin to plan your Close the Deal program with your partners. • Hold a successful Close the Deal program for students • Have counselors follow up with seniors to talk about their plans beyond high school. • Hold a “Close the Deal” Celebration event to recognize students that have been

accepted or received scholarships. • Send final data report to “Close the Deal” partners.

Q. What goes into making a successful event?

A. Be proactive! Work closely and communicate clearly with your team members to engage outside stakeholders, invite volunteers, plan your agenda and room setup, and work with teachers to prepare students.

Q. What do principals need to do?

A. Recruit community leaders and officials to promote Close the Deal.

Q. What do counselors and administrators need to do?

A. Track your students’ success! Keep up-to-date records of senior class size, number of students who have applied, been admitted, and enrolled in college and amount of scholarship money received.

Coordinate education fairs and celebratory events with help from the Close the Deal team.

Maintain records of all expenses, receipts, and in-kind donations generated through Close the Deal.

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Frequently Asked Questions Continued

Q. How can the local Chamber of Commerce and elected officials help?

A. Get the message out by attending the Kick-off meeting and personally delivering the message about the importance of going to college.

Challenge students to apply to at least one college or university.

Work with principals, counselors and students to get them the assistance they need.

Celebrate and encourage! Acknowledge students’ hard work and continually challenge students to achieve more.

Q. How much will this cost?

A. The services of KHEAA financial aid experts, college admissions counselors and community leaders are free. Many schools work with their local chambers of commerce or individual businesses to have lunch, door prizes and decorations donated. Other options may include sack lunches from the cafeteria or potluck items from school faculty and staff. Since the event is held during the school day, extra transportation and staff costs are not an issue.

Q. How do we make this sustainable?

A. Due to the low financial burden of Close the Deal, many CTD schools have continued to put on events at their schools after their initial year. Sharing the data and successes of yours and other’s Close the Deal events can create advocates for the program who are willing to facilitate and manage the program in future years. Have your Close the Deal teams begin planning for continuing the program before the end of the school year.