Journey to College Day

2026 Recap

Thank you for making the 2026 Journey to College Day a success. We truly appreciate you for taking the time out of your schedule to join us for a day of professional development and networking.

Presentations included:

Once again, congratulations to our Journey to College Awardees:

  • 2026 Regional Excellence Award honors one Site Coordinator in each of the four outreach regions in Missouri:
    • Susan Cooper, Dexter High School
    • Kathie Mahan, Lincoln Prep Academy
    • Billie Green, Marionville High School
    • Lindsay Bunch, Northwest High School
  • 2026 Innovator of the Year highlights a site coordinator, counseling team or community partner who truly thinks creatively and critically when planning and hosting Apply Missouri, FAFSA Frenzy and Decision Day events.
    • Amanda Badgett & Lindsey Baedke, Marshfield High School

ACAC’s School of Excellence Award through ACT’s Center for Impact & Learning honors schools that demonstrate commitment to student success.

  • Soldan International Studies High School, counselor Ga’briel Shellenbarger 

View the J2C Day Powerpoint as a PDF.

Added items included a link to the student portal, and a list of qualifying barriers that were discussed from the OWD Job Center Presentation.

Don’t forget to register to host your 2026-2027 Journey to College events.

  • Apply Missouri - helps students find the “best fit” for higher education and provides time during the school day for seniors to submit college applications.
  • FAFSA Frenzy - provides free one-on-one assistance to help students and their families fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA.
  • Decision Day - encourages seniors to finalize their plans for the future. It encourages and reminds students that it is time to make a decision, assists students who have not yet finalized their plans, and fosters a college-going culture.

Once you’ve registered to host an event, be sure to check out the J2C Site Coordinator Resource Manual and connect with your Outreach Coordinator to order promotional materials at least three weeks prior to your event.