Get ready for #FinAidFeb! This February, empower your students with essential financial aid knowledge. This guide provides financial aid offices with creative and actionable event ideas, categorized by effort level, to help you engage students and promote financial aid awareness.

Low-Effort Activities

• Share Curated Financial Aid Resources
• Host a Quick Financial Aid AMA on Social Media
• Daily Financial Aid Tip

Medium-Effort Activities

• Create a Short "Explainer" Video
• Design a Financial Aid Infographic
• Host a "Financial Aid Mythbusters" Campaign
• "Show Us Your FAFSA" Event with Prizes

High-Effort Activities

• Targeted Financial Aid Workshop/Webinar Series
• Financial Aid On-the-Go
• Host a "Financial Aid Application Marathon" Event

Low-Effort Activities

Share Curated Financial Aid Resources

Share links to helpful articles, blog posts, or videos about financial aid on social media using #FinAidFeb.

• Identify Relevant Resources:
  
  • Check the Federal Student Aid website
  • Review your institution's financial aid web pages
• Schedule Your Posts: Use a social media calendar
• Craft Engaging Captions: Keep captions concise and informative
• Use Relevant Hashtags: Include hashtags like #FinAidFeb, #FAFSA, #StudentLoans, or #PellGrants
• Track Your Results: Monitor engagement metrics using built-in analytic tools on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Example Post: Check out this helpful resource on understanding student loans! #FinAidFeb [Link to resource]

Host a Financial Aid AMA on Social Media

Host a brief "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session on social media.

• Choose a Platform: Work with your marketing team and select a social media platform where your students are most active.
• Schedule and Promote: Announce the AMA date and time in advance.
• Prepare Talking Points: Anticipate common questions and prepare brief answers.
• Engage with Participants: Answer questions clearly and concisely during the AMA.
• Follow-up: Share a summary of key takeaways after the AMA.

Example: Use a question sticker on Instagram Stories: "Ask us your financial aid questions! #FinAidFeb"

Daily Financial Aid Tips

Share one key financial aid tip on social media each day of February using #FinAidFeb.

• Brainstorm Tips: Create a list of relevant and helpful financial aid tips.
• Create a Schedule: Plan which tip you'll share on each day of February.
• Design Visuals: Create simple graphics to accompany your tips.
• Share Daily: Post your tip on social media using #FinAidFeb.

Example: Tip of the Day: Check your student email regularly for important financial aid updates! #FinAidFeb

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Medium-Effort Activities

Create a Short "Explainer" Video

Produce a short video (1-2 minutes) explaining a specific financial aid topic.

• Select a Topic: Choose a relevant financial aid topic.
• Plan Your Video: Write a brief script or create a storyboard.
• Record & Edit: Use a smartphone or basic camera and free editing software, such as Clipchamp or iMovie.
• Add Captions: Make your video accessible. YouTube will add these automatically when uploading your video.
• Share & Promote: Post on social media and your website.

Example: A short video explaining the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Design a Financial Aid Infographic

Design an infographic that visually presents important financial aid information. 

• Choose a Topic: Select a key financial aid concept or process.
• Gather Data: Collect relevant data and statistics.
• Design Your Infographic: Use a tool like Canva or Piktochart.
• Promote Your Infographic: Share it on social media and your website.

Example: Create an infographic outlining the steps to complete the FAFSA.

Host a "Financial Aid Mythbusters" Campaign

The financial aid office addresses common misconceptions and myths surrounding financial aid.

• Identify Common Myths: Research common financial aid misconceptions.
• Create Content: Develop social media posts, short videos, or blog posts debunking these myths.
• Schedule and Share: Plan a schedule for sharing your content throughout the month.
• Use the hashtag #FinAidFeb.

Example: A social media post debunking the myth that "You need perfect grades to get financial aid."

View NASFAA Mythbusters Ideas

Host a "Show Us Your FAFSA" Event with Prizes

Students visit the financial aid office in person, showing proof that they've completed their FAFSA and receive a door prize and/or are entered into a raffle. 

• Procure Prizes: Determine a budget and purchase appropriate prizes.
• Check Relevant Policies: Check relevant institutional policies about raffles and events.
• Promote the Event: Use flyers, social media, and email to advertise the event.
• Set Up Event Logistics: Prepare a sign-in sheet and ensure adequate staffing.
• Host the Event: Collect FAFSA confirmation and enter students into the drawing.

Example: Promote the event with flyers: "Show us you completed your FAFSA and win a [Prize]!"

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High-Effort Activities

Targeted Financial Aid Workshop/Webinar Series

Develop a series of workshops or webinars focused on specific financial aid topics or student populations.

• Identify Target Audiences: Determine which student groups to target.
• Develop Workshop Content: Create presentations, handouts, and activities.
• Schedule and Promote: Choose dates, times, and locations (or virtual platforms).
• Gather Feedback: Collect feedback to improve future workshops.

Example: A series of workshops on "Understanding Dependency Status for FAFSA" and "Navigating Financial Aid for Transfer Students."

Financial Aid On-the-Go

Reach students across campus with a strategically planned network of pop-up hubs offering comprehensive financial aid support.

• Strategic Location Planning: Identify key high-traffic areas, create a diverse network of hubs, and consider timing and context.
• Offer Comprehensive Services at Each Hub: Staff each hub with trained professionals, offer services (application assistance, scholarship searches, counseling), and equip each hub with the necessary technology.
• Develop Targeted Outreach and Promotion: Implement a multi-channel marketing campaign, tailor messaging to specific student populations, and partner with student organizations and campus services.
• Create a Consistent Brand and Experience: Develop a consistent brand identity, ensure each hub has a professional setup, and provide consistent staff training.
• Implement Data Collection and Evaluation: Track key metrics, such as the number of students assisted at each hub and web traffic following the event. Take time to gather feedback from students and staff.

Example: Establish a network of pop-up hubs across campus, including locations in the student union, library, main academic building, and residence halls. Schedule these hubs strategically throughout #FinAidFeb, coinciding with key deadlines and campus events. Financial aid advisors equipped with laptops, printers, and access to scholarship databases are at each pop-up. A comprehensive marketing campaign promotes the hub locations and schedules, targeting specific student groups with tailored messaging. Data is collected at each hub to track usage and gather feedback.

Host a "Financial Aid Application Marathon" Event

The financial aid office hosts a dedicated event where staff can assist students in completing financial aid applications.

• Secure a Location and Resources: Reserve a computer lab or other suitable space and ensure access to necessary resources (computers, internet, printers).
• Train Staff: Prepare staff to answer common FAFSA and scholarship application questions.
• Promote the Event: Advertise the event widely to students.
• Provide Assistance: Offer one-on-one help to students completing their applications.

Example: Set up a computer lab with staff available to assist students with each step of the FAFSA application.

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