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August 01, 2019

Department of Higher Education hosts annual Journey to College Day

Event promotes resources for planning and paying for college

The Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) hosted its annual Journey to College Day for educators, counselors, financial aid personnel and advisors from Missouri schools, colleges and universities. The July 30 event included updates to the Journey to College programs – Apply Missouri, FAFSA Frenzy and Decision Day – as well as updates on federal and state financial aid.

“The Journey to College programs help students get the information and support they need to achieve their college and career goals,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “These programs would not be possible without the work of high school counselors and financial aid staff from around the state.”

High school counselors and college personnel who host Journey to College events shared best practices and answered questions on a range of topics, including how to organize an event and make it meaningful for students and parents. This fall, MDHE staff are launching a Journey to College pilot program for elementary and middle schools to promote college and career awareness at an early age. Counselors learned more about the resources available and opportunities to participate in the pilot program.

“Journey to College has been instrumental in helping me create my own program,” said Mary Giunta, college and career counselor for Affton High School. “It’s helped me make a difference in my school district.”

Attendees were also given a look at the enhanced student state financial aid portal and new student workspace. The portal is designed to provide students easier access to state financial aid information and can be found on the Journey to College website, https://journeytocollege.mo.gov/.

For more information about Journey to College programs, including how to participate, visit https://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/journeytocollege.php.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education: The department seeks to build Missouri’s future by degrees and coordinate higher education policy that fosters a quality postsecondary system. More information about MDHE can be found at https://dhe.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @MoHigherEd.