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Resources for Families
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Resources for Families

Resources for Families

Career Research and Resources:

  • CAREERwise: A Minnesota State Colleges and Universities career and education resource. 
  • Lifehacker's Career Spotlight: An interview series on Lifehacker that focuses on  jobs you might not hear much about. Jobs range from entry level to very specialized.
  • The Ladder: Open monthly meetings for ages 9+ for those interested in medical careers. 
  • Real Time Talent Exchange: A free job search and application website that removes systemic barriers from the recruiting and hiring process. 

Free MN College & University Admissions Application

College Entrance Exam Preparation

  • Free ACT Test Prep Options: A listing maintained by the My Life Plan Lead Counselor of current free ACT Test Prep resources, as well as a few fee based options. 

College Planning:

Family Services: 

  • HealthFinder.gov: Free health and wellness topics.
  • Home Line: Free rent-related legal assistance for renters. 
  • Mater Mea: A website that tells the stories of women of color at the intersection of motherhood and and career. 
  • Prepare and Prosper: provides free tax assistance as well as other services to increase financial mobility.  
  • VITA Locator Tool: The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.
  • Volunteer Tax Assistance Program:  Prepares taxes free of charge to U of M students and community members with an unadjusted gross income of less than $60,000. 
  • What's Up 612: an online, citywide resource where youth, parents, educators, and youth workers can find after school and summer activities for Minneapolis for ages 5-21. 

Paying for College:

  • FAFSA: EVERY documented student should apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. This application is free. It will in no way limit your financial assistance for school; it can only benefit you. 
  • Best Colleges.Com Understanding the FAFSA: A line-by-line explanation of how to fill out the FAFSA. 
  • College Emergency Financial Aid: Many schools offer emergency aid to students if an issue arises that causes immediate financial crisis, such as a sudden health emergency, unexpected loss of income, car troubles, etc. To prevent dropping out of college, these emergency funds are available to alleviate immediate and unexpected financial need. View the link for more information, and talk to your college student support services or financial aid office for more information. 
  • MN Dream Act and DACA: Undocumented students can apply for financial assistance for college through the MN Dream Act. Follow the link for more details regarding how to apply and other educational financial supports for undocumented families.

Scholarship Search Tools:

  • Naviance: All students should start their scholarship search by looking locally with their school Naviance Family Connection account. 
  • FastWeb: An online resource to find scholarships to help pay for school.
  • Cappex Connects first generation and underrepresented students to caring colleges, generous scholarships, and life-changing counselors and mentors.
  • Scholly: A simple, accurate, and comprehensive scholarship matching tool that was created by students for students. 

Social and Emotional Support:

Undocumented Students:

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