College and Career
August 15, 2025
This manual provides an overview of the major steps required to apply for college, career, financial aid and to reach a post-secondary pathway decision. We encourage Marine Leadership Academy families to use this as a guide throughout high school and to ask questions and request advice whenever necessary.
MLA College & Career Readiness Handbook
Financial Aid and Scholarship
- Information on Federal Financial Aid:
- FSA ID: Create your FSA ID before applying for FAFSA
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Federal Student Aid: Explanation on types of aid available. (grants, loans, etc)
- FinAid Student Guide: Access and information on types of student aid available.
- Recommended Scholarship Resources:
- Additional Resources for Undocumented Students:
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- IACAC (Illinois Association for College Counseling)
- Illinois Dream Fund
- MALDEF
- My Undocumented Life
- UIC Resources for Dreamers
- RISE ACT: January 2020: Financial Aid Summary for students not eligible for FAFSA
- Posse Scholarship link: www.possefoundation.org
- Gate Millennium Scholarship link: www.gmsp.org
- Golden Apple Scholarship link: www.goldenapple.org/golden-apple-scholars
- Chicago Star Scholarship link: http://pages.ccc.edu/apply/star/
Website and Links
CPS NAVIANCE: Naviance is a software tool that enables students in grades 6 through 12 to conduct comprehensive college and career planning. CPS Transcript Request: (former students only) Requests for graduates of MLA older than one year must request directly from CPS. COMMON APP: Explore nearly 900 colleges and universities using Common App. Website also provides students with resources and tips for the college planning process |