College and Career

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:
  • CPS Academic Works Scholarships
  • CPS Academic Works User Guide
  • CPS Academic Works – Live Master List (updated frequently)
  • College Board’s Scholarship Search
  • Fastweb Scholarship Search
    
• 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