College Essentials 101 Workshop recap

**College Essentials 101 Workshop by the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund**

This past Saturday, the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund (LHSF) held its highly anticipated College Essentials 101 Workshop, providing invaluable resources and guidance for students and families preparing for the college application process. The event took place at the Lynn Housing Authority's community space, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity in allowing us to use their venue for this impactful gathering.

A Community United: Schools and Families Represented

The workshop welcomed over 40 participants, including students, families, and community members, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to supporting higher education. Schools represented included:

Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (LVTI)
Lynn English High School (LEHS)
KIPP Academy Lynn Collegiate
Frederick Douglass Collegiate Academy
St. Mary’s High School
Malden Catholic
Fecteau-Leary Junior/Senior High School

This diverse representation of schools and families highlights the far-reaching impact of LHSF’s efforts to empower students from various backgrounds in achieving their educational aspirations.

Workshop Overview

The College Essentials 101 Workshop focused on equipping participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of college admissions and financial aid.

Main Topics Covered

Understanding College Admissions
- Trends in the admissions landscape.
- Key requirements for applications, including essays, test scores, and recommendation letters.
Building a Balanced College List
- Guidance on identifying “reach,” “match,” and “safety” schools to ensure a comprehensive application strategy.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Information on FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship opportunities to make college more affordable.
Parent/Guardian Support
- Tips for parents to actively support their children through the college planning process.
Making the Final Decision
- Insights on evaluating college acceptances and understanding the Universal Reply Date (May 1).

Student Impact

Workshops like these are central to LHSF’s mission of empowering Lynn’s youth to achieve their higher education dreams. This impact was exemplified through the words of Pablo Granados, a sophomore at the College of the Holy Cross, a proud Lynn Classical alum and a 2023 LHSF Scholar.

Pablo shared:"One of the aspects I love most about college is the fact that I am constantly being challenged. Classes get harder every time, and you continue learning something new. That’s how you know you’re getting closer to that end goal."

Pablo’s message serves as a reminder of the growth and opportunities that come with higher education, inspiring students to embrace challenges as part of their journey toward success.

Looking Ahead

The Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund is committed to creating opportunities that help students thrive. We’re excited to announce our next workshop: Scholarship Essentials 101, scheduled for February 22, 2025. This session will focus on discovering and applying for scholarships to ease the financial burden of college.

A heartfelt thank you to the Lynn Housing Authority for providing the space for this event and to the students, families, and schools who joined us. Together, we are fostering brighter futures through education and community support.

For more information about our programs and resources, visit our website: Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund.