Fall Webinars, Conference, and Other Professional Development Opportunities
Everyone is headed back to school. Improve your knowledge and skills this fall with a plethora of professional development and collaborative learning opportunities, webinars and trainings that will provide information and resources for education and student support professionals on topics such as financial aid, college admissions, and more.
SEPTEMBER
Webinar: ARP-HCY Info Session with ED- SchoolHouse Connection
Tuesday, September 12 | noon- 1 PM
In the wake of the pandemic, a nationwide housing shortage, persistent chronic absence, and alarming child and youth mental health crises, students and schools face unprecedented challenges – including increasing homelessness.
American Rescue Plan — Homeless Children and Youth, or ARP-HCY funds, are one-time funds that can help meet these challenges. ARP-HCY funds are designated to support the identification, enrollment, and school participation of children and youth experiencing homelessness, including through wrap-around services. These funds must be obligated by September 30, 2024 and spent by January 31, 2025.
SchoolHouse Connection is hosting this ARP-HCY Info Session featuring presenters from the U.S. Department of Education to provide strategies for meeting urgent needs, including allowable and strategic uses of funds, and examples and tools from state and local educational agencies. We encourage participation from school leaders, homeless liaisons, state education agency staff, and community partners
Featured Presenter: Adam Schott, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education.
Register
WPN Webinar: Using Real-Time Data to House QTBIPOC Youth and Young Adults
Wednesday, September 13 | 1-2 PM
Young people of color and young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are disproportionately served by systems. This WPN webinar will look at using data to end disproportionality and the importance of breaking down barriers between systems to achieve quality data and equitably end homelessness.
Presenter: Leeze Castro (he/they) – Data & Evaluation Fellow (A Way Home Washington)
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Office Hours: Supporting Homeless Students: Back to School Office Hours with SchoolHouse Connection
Thursday, September 14 | 1-2 PM
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Thursday, September 21 | 1-2 PM
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SchoolHouse Connection’s back-to-school office hours are here! Join to get support in identifying students experiencing homelessness. LEAs implementing McKinney-Vento may encounter specific situations or questions. Bring your questions or simply listen and learn from others.
Webinar: Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA- NCAN
Tuesday, September 26 | 10 AM -12 PM
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Webinar: Financial Aid Basics- WSAC
Wednesday, September 27 | 10-11 AM
In this session, participants will learn the basics of financial aid. WSAC will cover federal and state aid programs including grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. WSCA will also discuss when and where to apply for financial aid. Participants will leave with a better understanding of postsecondary funding. This session will prepare participants to help with basic financial aid questions. High school clock hours will be available.
Register
OCTOBER
Webinar: Financial Aid 101- CSF
Tuesday, October 10 | 10-11 AM
This webinar will provide a general overview of aid available, changes for the upcoming year, how financial aid offices build budgets, and how aid is awarded. Good refresher for Beginners.
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Webinar: Creating an FSA ID- CSF
Thursday, October 12 | 10-10:30 AM
Students and parents will need to create their own FSA ID to access and sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They will use their FSA ID every year to fill out a FAFSA form. Join CSF to learn how students and parents will create and use their FSA ID.
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Webinar: CSF Scholarships-CSF
Monday, October 16 | 10-11:30 AM
This webinar will prepare you for the next CSF scholarship cycle. Learn about different programs, and changes for the upcoming year, and get a tour of the scholarship application platform.
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Webinar: FASFA pt. 1- CSF
Monday, October 23 | 10-11:30 AM
Part 1 is an in-depth tour of the FASFA application, changes for the upcoming year, how to avoid common mistakes, and address special circumstances. Recommended for all Levels.
Register
Webinar: Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA- NCAN
Monday, October 23 | 10 AM- 12 PM
Register
NOVEMBER
Conference: REFCA2023 Conference for Foster Care Innovation
Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4
Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Boston
The 9th national gathering to highlight foster care innovation, honor lived experience leadership, and inspire investment in improving the well-being and life outcomes of the half-million children and young people living in foster care.
- Designed and led by foster alums — REFCA Champions
- An opportunity to learn, inspire, and connect
- Workshops, breakout sessions, Author’s Night book signing
- Open to all and including CE credits for students and professionals
Tickets from $35
Reserve a Spot
Webinar: WASFA pt. 1- CSF
Monday, November 6 | 10-11:30 AM
Part 1 is an in-depth tour of the WASFA application, changes for the upcoming year, how to avoid common mistakes, and address special circumstances. Recommended for all Levels.
Register
Webinar: Financial Aid Navigation- WSAC
Tuesday, November 7 | 9-11 AM
In this session, participants will learn about the financial aid process and how to help others navigate applying for financial aid. We will cover how to apply for postsecondary funding with the FAFSA and the WASFA. WSCA will also discuss common challenges and errors as well as next steps. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to help others with this important process. This session will prepare participants to assist students as they apply for financial aid and train others. High school clock hours will be available.
Register
Webinar: FASFA/WASFA pt. 2: Student Scenarios- CSF
Monday, November 13 | 10-11:30 AM
Part 2 is a hands-on webinar of 20 case studies. It provides a great opportunity to practice what you will experience while working 1:1 with students. Recommended for all levels.
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Webinar: Verification- CSF
Monday, November 20 | 10-11:30 AM
This webinar explains what is verification, the different types of verification, what documents are required, and changes for the upcoming year. It includes case studies. Recommended for all levels.
Register
Webinar: Getting Ready for the Better FAFSA- NCAN
Monday, November 20 | 10 AM- 12 PM
Register
Webinar: FAFSA Simplification- WSAC
Big changes are coming this fall for 2024-25 financial aid applications! In this session, we will discuss the FAFSA Simplification Act, best practices in implementing changes, and how to communicate changes to partners, students, and their families. WSAC will also share free resources to support you as you help students take their next steps.
More training dates will be posted soon. View our most recent training video here.
