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Access & Opportunity: Helping Our Most Vulnerable Students & Families Navigate the Financial Aid System Workshop

  • 17 Nov 2026
  • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Brandeis University

Registration


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Access & Opportunity: Helping Our Most Vulnerable Students & Families Navigate the Financial Aid System

Join us for this interactive and in-person 3-hour workshop which equips school counselors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively support students and families navigating today’s complex financial aid landscape—especially those from underserved, immigrant, mixed-status, first-generation, and economically vulnerable communities.

Participants will hear directly from professionals representing Massachusetts public college financial aid offices, the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), and a practicing school counseling professional serving an urban and underserved community. Together, presenters will provide practical guidance on FAFSA and MAFSA completion, state and institutional aid opportunities, common barriers faced by vulnerable student populations, and best practices for building trust and increasing access to postsecondary education.

This workshop is designed for middle and high school counselors, college and career readiness staff, and educational professionals committed to expanding access and opportunity for all students.  It will also specifically support school counselors with the implementation of the new graduation requirement dealing with MAFSA/FAFSA completion.

Location: Brandeis University | 8:30-12:00 | Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Cost: Only $10 for members; $65 for nonmembers

Breakfast included and optional campus tour at 12:15

You can view the agenda here.

Questions: Contact Bob Bardwell, Executive Director


Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc.  
All Right Reserved.

MASCA deeply values its diverse membership and is fully committed to creating an organization where each individual is welcomed, included, respected and empowered.  No person will be excluded from MASCA on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason. These activities include, but are not limited to, appointment of its Governing Board, hiring or firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and the providing of services.  This policy is fundamental to the effective functioning of MASCA as an organization that supports counselors and promotes equity in our schools, districts and the Commonwealth.

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