Financial Aid Advising
Financial Aid Professional Development: Building Confidence, Clarity, and Capacity
Understanding and navigating financial aid is essential to guiding students and families toward affordable postsecondary options. This professional development series is designed to equip school counselors, college access professionals, and educators with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to provide effective financial aid support throughout the school year.
Whether you're new to the topic or seeking advanced training, our sessions span foundational knowledge to complex casework—empowering you to meet the diverse needs of your students and families.
Topics include:
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Financial Aid Basics: Gain a clear understanding of the types of aid available, how the financial aid process works, and key terminology every counselor should know. Learn more.
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FAFSA Certification Training: Become a certified expert in FAFSA completion through this in-depth course covering eligibility, application walkthroughs, and best practices for guiding families. Learn more.
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FAFSA Deep Dive Series: Explore advanced topics such as special circumstances, financial aid offer comparisons, and how to support non-citizen and undocumented students through the financial aid process. Learn more.
Each session is practical, student-centered, and designed to align with federal and state financial aid guidance, ensuring you're prepared to offer accurate, up-to-date information when it matters most. Whether supporting a first-generation college-bound student or helping a family navigate a financial crisis, this series ensures you have the tools to make a difference.
Financial Aid Advising
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Financial Aid Myths: What Families Think vs. What They Need to Know
Financial aid can be the key that unlocks access to higher education—but too often, myths and misinformation keep students and families from applying or making fully informed decisions. In this myth-busting session, we’ll tackle some of the most common misconceptions about financial aid and arm counselors and access professionals with clear, accurate talking points to use in their work with students and families.From misunderstandings about income eligibility to confusion over loan options and deadlines, this session will provide strategies to reframe the narrative, reduce barriers, and empower every student to apply for and receive the aid they deserve. You'll leave with myth-busting language, helpful resources, and ready-to-use advice that simplifies the financial aid process for all.
October 7, 2025 | 11 am - Noon
Registration Opening Summer 2025 -
Financial Basics
This foundational session is designed for school counselors and professionals who are new to admissions and financial aid. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the financial aid process, key terminology, and how to support students as they explore and apply for financial aid.Key Topics Covered:
- Overview of the financial aid process
- Common financial aid terminology
- Types of aid: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study
- Understanding the role of the FAFSA
- Guiding students through financial aid planning
Note: This session includes a general overview of the FAFSA but does not provide detailed FAFSA training. For in-depth FAFSA instruction, please refer to our FAFSA Certification or FAFSA Deep Dive sessions.
No sessions currently scheduled. Please check back for updates.
Payment & Pricing Details
- Training registration fees can be paid through online via credit card.
- Is your organization or district paying? Do you need a PO and invoice? Click here to request an invoice and register.
- Invoice requests must be made at least 14 business days prior to the training. If you want to request an invoice after the 14 day window, contact professionaldevelopment@icansucceed.org.
ISCA Partnership
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ICAN has partnered with the Iowa School Counselor Association (ISCA) and will offer a 25% discount to current ISCA members on select ICAN professional development opportunities. To access this discount, you must log into your ISCA member portal on the ISCA website and use the members-only link. |
FAFSA Completion Professional Certification
The ICAN FAFSA Completion Assistance Certification Program prepares school counselors, mentors, and community partners to confidently guide students through the FAFSA process. This comprehensive, scenario-based training emphasizes practical strategies for supporting students and families in successfully completing the FAFSA and accessing financial aid.
Key Topics Covered:
- Core financial aid concepts, tools, and resources
- Step-by-step FAFSA form review and completion
- Avoiding common FAFSA errors and addressing common challenges
- Understanding federal and state aid eligibility
- Navigating dependency status and parental information
- Interpreting and using FAFSA submission results
Participants will leave certified and ready to provide expert-level FAFSA assistance in schools and community settings.
Upcoming Virtual Sessions
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FAFSA Certification
Participants who complete the training and pass the final assessment will be ICAN Certified to assist students with FAFSA completion. This certification is valid for four years, with annual online recertification.June 4, 2025 | 8:30 am - Noon
Register
August 20, 2025 | 8:30 am - Noon
Register
September 17, 2025 | 8:30 am - Noon
Register -
FAFSA Recertification
Offered annually after year one, ICAN’s FAFSA Recertification training provides participants with the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of FAFSA procedures and practice applying updated guidance through real-world scenarios. The session reviews key financial aid terms and walks participants through both traditional and complex FAFSA situations to reinforce accuracy and confidence in assisting students. Participants must complete an online assessment at the end of the training to earn recertification through the ICAN program.
Recertification Details:- Provided annually
- Includes scenario-based instruction and online assessment
- Missed your recertification window? Contact Erick Danielson for options
- Those who qualify for recertification will be contacted with training dates via email.
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FAFSA Certification Renewal
The initial certification fee covers four years of training. At the end of each certification period, you have the option to renew for another four years and continue with annual training recertification. The FAFSA Certification renewal provides participants with the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of FAFSA procedures and practice applying updated guidance through real-world scenarios. Participants must complete an online assessment at the end of the training to earn recertification through the ICAN program.
Payment & Pricing Details
- Training registration fee is $50.
- The fee covers four years of certification and annual recertification training.
- Certification Renewal in year five is $50.
- Fees can be paid through online via credit card.
- Is your organization or district paying? Do you need a PO and invoice? Contact Erick Danielson to request an invoice and register.
ISCA Partnership
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ICAN has partnered with the Iowa School Counselor Association (ISCA) and will offer a 25% discount to current ISCA members on select ICAN professional development opportunities. To access this discount, you must log into your ISCA member portal on the ISCA website and use the members-only link. |
FAFSA Deep Dive Series - Equipping Educators to Navigate Complex Financial Aid Conversations
The FAFSA Deep Dive Series is designed for school counselors, college access professionals, and educators who want to deepen their understanding of the most complex aspects of the financial aid process. Each session goes beyond the basics to explore challenging scenarios and equip participants with practical tools, strategies, and resources to better support students and families.
From interpreting financial aid offers to navigating special circumstances and supporting non-citizen or undocumented students, this series helps professionals provide equitable, informed guidance that maximizes student opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build confidence in specific areas or expand your overall financial aid expertise, these sessions will help you lead with knowledge and compassion.
Upcoming Sessions & Registration
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FAFSA Deep Dive: Navigating Special Circumstances with Families
When it comes to financial aid, not every student’s situation fits neatly into a standard FAFSA form. This session takes a deep dive into special circumstances—such as job loss, divorce, homelessness, and more—and how they impact financial aid eligibility. Counselors will learn how to identify these cases, guide families through documentation and appeals, and support students in maximizing their aid options. Whether you're new to financial aid or looking to strengthen your understanding, this session equips you with practical tools to assist students facing unique challenges.October 28, 2025 | 11 am - Noon
Registration Opens Summer 2025 -
FAFSA Deep Dive: Supporting Non-Citizen & Undocumented Individuals.
This training is focused on equipping school counselors, higher education, and college access professionals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to assist non-citizen and undocumented students with the FAFSA process and alternative financial aid options.
November 12, 2026 | 11 am - Noon
Registration Opens Summer 2025 -
Comparing Financial Aid Offers: Helping Students Make Smart College Choices
Understanding financial aid offers can be overwhelming for students and families. This session equips educators with tools and strategies to support students in evaluating and comparing financial aid offers. We’ll cover how to read offers accurately, calculate true costs, and have meaningful conversations about affordability, value, and loan borrowing. Participants will leave with comparison tools, key terminology cheat sheets, and sample advising scenarios.March 31, 2026 | 1-2 pm
Registration Opens Summer 2025
Payment & Pricing Details
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Training registration fees can be paid through online via credit card.
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Is your organization or district paying? Do you need a PO and invoice? Click here to request an invoice and register.
Invoice requests must be made at least 14 business days prior to the training. If you want to request an invoice after the 14 day window, contact professionaldevelopment@icansucceed.org.
ISCA Partnership
|
ICAN has partnered with the Iowa School Counselor Association (ISCA) and will offer a 25% discount to current ISCA members on select ICAN professional development opportunities. To access this discount, you must log into your ISCA member portal on the ISCA website and use the members-only link. |
