Dear BVA Students and Families,

We are excited to invite you to an upcoming online Financial Aid Information Night designed to help students and families better understand how to pay for college or trade school.

Date: January 29
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: Google Meet Click Here to Join
We will be joined by Nomi Pearce, who works for the State of Oregon and specializes in helping students and families access funding for higher education and trade programs. Nomi will present “Finding Funds,” a general overview of the financial aid process, including how aid works and how to access available funding.

What Will Be Covered

• How the FAFSA works and why it is required
• OSAC and the Oregon Promise Grant
• Federal grants, including the Pell Grant (money that does not need to be repaid)
• Key timelines, eligibility considerations, and next steps

Why FAFSA Matters

There is money available to help students pay for school, but parents must complete the FAFSA for students to access most grants and financial aid.
For example, some students may qualify for a Pell Grant, which does not need to be repaid. Pell Grant eligibility is determined by:

• Parent income (Adjusted Gross Income and family size)
• Student Aid Index (SAI)

The maximum Pell Grant for the 2026–27 award year is expected to be $7,395, with final amounts set annually by Congress.

Oregon Promise Grant

Oregon Promise is another important source of funding, and applying early increases the likelihood of receiving an award.
Key information for the Class of 2026:

• OSAC will soon begin awarding Oregon Promise for students starting college in Fall 2026
• Approximately 7 out of 10 eligible applicants receive Oregon Promise
• Funding is limited and awards are based on FAFSA/ORSAA data only

How to Get Started Now

1. Create your FSA ID (student and parent) Click Here to Set Up
2. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible Click Here to Fill Out a FAFSA 
3. Set up an OSAC account and apply for Oregon Promise Click Here to go to OSAC Portal
4. Attend our January 29 session to ask questions and get support

Need More Support?

• You may schedule time to meet with me to review financial aid questions
• You may also request a virtual 1:1 meeting with Nomi Pearce for individualized support

College or trade school is possible, and there are resources available to help make it affordable. We strongly encourage all families—especially seniors—to attend.
Please reach out if you have questions or would like help getting started.

Sincerely,
Cristina Hyde
Baker Virtual Academy