Don’t miss out on ‘Cash for College’

Alabama Possible, is coordinating a statewide campaign to encourage high school students to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form offers prospective college students free money in the form of Pell Grants, and is also a form required by many colleges and universities for additional need-based scholarships.

Three Birmingham-area students shared their experiences completing the FAFSA and the impact it made on their college goals and plans.

Learn more at cashforcollegealabama.org.

Jasmine Chisolm

Jasmine Chisolm, a senior at Woodlawn High School

Jasmine Chisolm

Currently a senior at Woodlawn High School

Will attend Lawson State Community College in the fall

“I’ve been dreaming of going to college since I was little, and I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. My mother is a nursing assistant, and she inspired me. I used to go to work with her. I always thought, ‘I want to do this – I want to help people.’ I also volunteer at the Dream Center, because I enjoy helping people.

At first, I didn’t know which college had the right program for me. We had a college fair at my school, and I went around to several four-year colleges. They told me to speak with two-year colleges since I want to be a nurse before I become a doctor. I spoke with a few, and Lawson State got my attention.

At the college fair, I also got the chance to sit down with Alabama Possible. They explained that FAFSA is very important, so we started filling it out. My mom also helped me with it – we sat down, and we did it. I would encourage high school students to complete the FAFSA – it’s important and it will help you pay for school.

I start Lawson in the fall, then I plan to transition to a four-year college after I graduate. I’m most excited about my classes, especially biology, but I’ve not been in a college environment before. I have to stay focused.”

Caleb Neverson

Caleb Neverson is a Senior at Wenonah High School

Caleb Neverson

Currently a senior at Wenonah High School

Will attend Lawson State Community College in the fall, then plans to transfer to Morehouse College

“I’m passionate about politics. I’m a senior class officer, and, after school, I volunteer with Make it Happen, a performing youth ensemble that tells the story of Civil Rights. I’m also an intern with Birmingham City Councilor John Hilliard, and I was appointed chairman of the Birmingham Police Department Youth Council.

My grandmother helped me understand the importance of education. She was a foot soldier in 1963, and I look to her as an example. She, and many others, fought for the rights I have today. It made me value education more – taking education for granted is not an option.

I did a lot of research about the colleges I wanted to attend. That research showed me what I needed to do in high school to be accepted into those colleges. As I was considering my college options, Mayor Randall Woodfin told me Morehouse College needed to be on the list. He got on the phone with the admissions office and that’s how Morehouse came into play.

I needed to figure out how to pay for college because the FAFSA was new to me, and Alabama Possible was a great help. They sat down with me, and we went page by page to ensure I would receive money for school.

Don’t be intimidated by college and financial aid. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help.

Karli Boatman

Karli Boatman is a Senior at Ramsay High School

Karli Boatman

Currently a senior at Ramsay High School

Will attend Alabama A&M University in the fall

“I enjoy going to classes and learning new things at Ramsay. I try to stay focused, so I can graduate and go to college. I plan to go to Alabama A&M and major in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity.

My interest in cybersecurity comes from my mom. She works with the government. I like the idea of helping companies identify hackers and scammers – I like to dig into things.

My mom helped me look into college, and my councilor helped me understand what I should do to get into college. He would ask me certain questions about what I would like to do and what interested me – that’s how I picked computer science as a major.

When I received my acceptance letter from Alabama A&M, I was so excited. I was also nominated for a $15,000 scholarship, and I got it. Now, I’m searching for different scholarships and financial aid. My mom and I completed the FAFSA – afterwards, we found out about Alabama Possible at a seminar at Lawson State. Alabama Possible explained that the FAFSA is required by colleges to get financial aid.

I’m nervous and excited to start my freshman year of college. I’m going to take things into my own hands – it’s time for me to branch out on my own. I would encourage other high school students to stay focused and stay on top of their game.”

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