Financial Aid Workshop January 19

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1978896_10152568144744232_8367881271452503021_nApplying for financial aid is perhaps the most important, and most complex, task many a high school senior will undertake.  To help academically talented students sort through this process, the Cook Family Foundation is holding a workshop on Monday, January 19 from 7-9 p.m. at the Baker College Welcome Center.

Mike Davis from the University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid will provide important information about qualifying for financial aid, as well as some useful tips on making college more affordable.  U-M is the only public university in Michigan to cover 100 percent of demonstrated financial need of in-state students (learn more here)

While Mike Davis gives particular insight to financial aid from the University of Michigan, his presentation will be applicable no matter what four-year university a student ends up attending. The first step for any prospective college student is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the form used by all institutions of higher learning. To qualify for financial aid from UM, students and their families will also need to complete a CSS Profile.

Students and/or their parents are invited to attend the January 19 workshop.  While it is not necessary to RSVP, please contact us if you have questions (989-725-1621 or bruce@cookfamilyfoundation.org). To keep up-to-date on financial aid, scholarships, and other UM information follow us on Twitter @GoBlueGoBruce

Shiawassee Scholars Celebrates 15 Years

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Celebrating 15 years

Tom and Bruce Cook stand with SRESD program administrators Denise Brady and Lisa Seigel

The Shiawassee Scholars program, a partnership between the Cook Family Foundation and the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District (SRESD), has cultivated the abilities of over 750 high school students on their path to college for 15 years now. Back in 1999, when the most recent Scholars were not even born, the Shiawassee Scholars program was launched to help academically talented students succeed in high school, gain admission to competitive colleges, and be best prepared for life.

Each year a group of approximately 50 eighth graders are identified as “high academic achievers” and invited to participate in the Shiawassee Scholars program. This provides a variety of support programs and activities to help the students better prepare for their pursuit of a college career. Students and their parents are invited to educational seminars throughout their high school years, the students are invited to tour a university campus, and each student may apply for a scholarship to pursue an academic/career interest such as a summer camp or advanced learning opportunity.

By identifying and recognizing academically talented students early, the Shiawassee Scholars program seeks to encourage students to continue to pursue academically challenging activities during their high school years. This unique program provides important opportunities beyond what their school or families may be able to offer. Several Shiawassee Scholars have gone on to prestigious colleges and have received significant merit-based scholarships to do so.

If you know a talented eighth grader, contact your middle school counselor or the SRESD for information on taking the SAT test this January, the results from which will be used to select Scholars.

If would like more information about Shiawassee Scholars, please visit the SRESD website or call 989-743-3471.

Give Locally on Giving Tuesday

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GT_Eat_Sleep_GiveBlack Friday, Cyber Monday, and now Giving Tuesday.  As we start the holiday season, the tradition of making charitable gifts to worthy causes at the end of the year has gotten its own special day.  We are happy to see this attention to philanthropy, and we hope that you take the time today or tomorrow to make a gift to one of our local nonprofits.

The Cook Family Foundation has worked with a number of great organizations that serve the residents of Shiawassee County.  Many of these groups have participated in our Nonprofit Capacity Building Program to add to their expertise and effectiveness in carrying out their mission.  This should help increase your confidence that a donation to one of these nonprofits will be well used to meet local needs.

While there are other worthy causes in our community, as well as beyond Shiawassee County, we endorse these groups: the Arc Shiawassee County, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Shiawassee County (CAP-Council), Curwood Festival, DeVries Nature Conservancy, Durand Union Station, Inc., Friends of the Shiawassee River, Girls on the Run Mid Michigan, Owosso Community Players, Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee, Shiawassee Arts Center, SafeCenter (formerly RAVE), Shiawassee Community Foundation, Shiawassee County Humane Society, Shiawassee Council on Aging, Shiawassee Family Y, Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Shiawassee United Way, Steam Railroading Institute.

Most of these organizations now have the option to make donations online, but they would all welcome a check in the mail or an old-fashioned cash gift.  You can find a link to each of these organizations on our website (click here).  Then look for the “donate” button, or “become a member” tag, or go to the “about” section to find their mailing address.

Thank you for your support of our local nonprofits. And remember, if you miss Giving Tuesday, you can offer your donation, or your volunteer time, throughout the year.