FAFSA season is underway, and knowing when to file can make a difference in the financial aid available to students. Learn how to determine your personal FAFSA deadline, why filing early gives families more time to compare costs and financial aid offers, and what steps to take after submitting the application.
Not every career pathway begins in a traditional college classroom. Apprenticeships combine paid work, hands-on training and technical instruction, giving students an opportunity to earn while they learn. Discover how apprenticeships and career and technical education can help students prepare for rewarding careers.
Career and college planning shouldn’t begin senior year—and it shouldn’t look the same for every student. From building awareness in elementary school to exploration, preparation, action and transition, learn what age-appropriate planning can look like at every stage.
Knowing what career interests you is only the beginning. Today’s students also need human skills, technology and AI fluency, and real-world experiences to prepare for a workplace that will continue to evolve throughout their careers.
Middle school students don’t need to choose a career—but they should have opportunities to discover what’s possible. Exploring interests, careers, skills, pathways and even money basics now can help students enter high school better prepared to plan for their future.
ICAN is expanding its Step 1 School Grants program with new funding opportunities for all Iowa high schools and renewal grants for first-year recipients. The grants support increased scholarship access, financial aid planning, and FAFSA completion, helping more students prepare to pay for education after high school. Applications for new grants open October 7.
Senior year moves quickly, and fall is the time to turn plans for life after high school into action. Whether students are considering college, an apprenticeship, career training, military service or another pathway, these five steps can help them stay on track.
FAFSA season is here, but families don’t have to wait until they’re ready to file to start preparing. From setting up StudentAid.gov accounts to understanding who needs to participate and what happens after submission, a few steps now can make the financial aid process easier to navigate.
Students don’t need to have their future figured out to start career planning. Learn how exploring interests, discovering careers, understanding education and training pathways, and gaining real-world experience can help students make more informed decisions about what comes next.
Explore colleges, careers, education and training opportunities all in one place at the 2026 Golden Circle College & Career Fair. Students and families can connect directly with representatives, ask questions and discover possibilities for life after high school.
