Helping Cleveland students stay on the path to postsecondary success

← Back to Blog April 2, 2020 by COVID-19 Response, Education & Youth Development
Horizontal photo african student study writing using book and computer

Students across the country have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; for high school seniors, the crisis presents extra barriers at a critical time on their path to college or career training programs. Say Yes Cleveland and its partners are working to ensure Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and partnering charter school students and their families have the information and resources they need to complete the steps to be eligible for a Say Yes postsecondary scholarship.

Important resources & reminders for high school seniors

  • Say Yes Cleveland scholarships will be available for all eligible graduates in the Class of 2020 to use at college or career training programs starting in the fall.
  • Say Yes Cleveland and College Now Greater Cleveland are still here to help seniors complete the steps to secure a Say Yes scholarship.
  • For a Say Yes scholarship, students must complete a Say Yes application and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Both applications can be accessed on the Say Yes Cleveland website here.  
  • College Now advisors will be following up with each senior on key elements for the college enrollment and selection process. Please be on the lookout for a call from your advisor!
  • College Now will also be hosting public webinars to share information on financial aid, the FAFSA, college enrollment, and other postsecondary planning opportunities. Please stay tuned to College Now’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) to participate in these information sessions.
  • College Now also offers a virtual test prep program, impact!, that will help you prepare for the SAT or ACT using online lessons, virtual class activities, and more with the guidance of an impact! site coordinator. Participants who complete all elements of the program will earn a $200 stipend. You can register here.  
  • Parents, if working with your child has you thinking about pursuing a postsecondary option yourself, College Now offers an adult learner scholarship for anyone 19 and older who has interrupted their education for one year or more. Read more about the scholarship and apply here.  

Additional resources for local students

For current Say Yes K-12 students and their families, there are numerous resources available to help, including assistance with food, computer and internet access, housing, health, education, and much more. If you or your family need any help connecting to assistance, contact your school’s Family Support Specialist, email info@sayyescleveland.org, or visit SayYesCleveland.org. 

Students on a Say Yes scholarship at a college or career training program have likely been significantly impacted by the current crisis, and we want you to know that you aren’t alone. For resources and counsel: 

  • Visit SayYesCleveland.org for a regularly updated list of resources and services available to help college students;
  • Visit CollegeNowGC.org to connect with a College Now Greater Cleveland advisor;
  • And as always, students and parents can contact the Say Yes Scholarship Hotline at sayyesscholarship@collegenowgc.org or 216.454.5400 with any questions about the Say Yes scholarship program.

Say Yes Cleveland staff and partners are working remotely and remain accessible to support students and families and help them through this difficult time. For additional resources and information, visit www.SayYesCleveland.org.