Resources
A free library of tools for students and families
You do not have to figure everything out alone. The resources below are trusted, free, and organized by the questions students and families ask us most often.
Downloadable Guides
Free PDF guides you can share
Simple, plain-language guides written for students and families in East Mississippi. Contact us to request printed copies for your school, church, or community group.
College Planning Checklist
A month-by-month checklist from junior year through freshman move-in day.
Student Budgeting Worksheet
A simple monthly budget worksheet designed for students with variable income.
Trusted Links
Curated resources by topic
Federal & State Aid
- Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov)
FAFSA, federal grants, loans, and work-study.
- Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid
MTAG, MESG, HELP, and other state programs.
- GI Bill (VA.gov)
Education benefits for eligible veterans and their families.
Scholarship Search
- Fastweb
Free, filterable database of national scholarships.
- Scholarships.com
Search by academic focus, background, and financial need.
- BigFuture (College Board)
Scholarships, majors, and college planning tools.
College Planning
- College Scorecard
Compare cost, graduation rates, and outcomes for accredited institutions.
- Common App
Apply to hundreds of colleges with a single application.
- Mississippi Community College Board
Programs, transfer paths, and workforce training statewide.
Financial Literacy
- MyMoney.gov
Federal financial literacy resources for students and families.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Paying for College
Compare aid offers and understand student loans.
- Practical Money Skills
Budgeting worksheets, calculators, and lesson plans.
Career Planning
- O*NET Online
Explore careers, required skills, and typical earnings.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Detailed career profiles and growth projections.
- AccelerateMS
Mississippi workforce development and training resources.
Student Mental Wellness
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate, confidential support.
- SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)
Free, 24/7 information and referrals for substance use and mental health.
- Jed Foundation
Emotional health resources for high school and college students.
Community Support
- United Way of East Mississippi
Local support for housing, food, and family services.
- Mississippi Food Network
Food assistance across the state.
- Local Public Libraries
Free internet access, printing, tutoring referrals, and quiet study space.
FAQ
Common questions about resources
›What is the FAFSA and do I have to fill it out?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study, as well as most state and institutional aid. If you plan to pursue any accredited postsecondary program, filling out the FAFSA is one of the most important steps you can take.
›Do I need to pay to search for scholarships?
No. Any service that charges to search for scholarships should be treated with caution. Free, trustworthy tools include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, BigFuture (College Board), Federal Student Aid, and the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
›How do I know a scholarship offer is real?
Legitimate scholarship providers will never ask for a Social Security Number, banking details, or a fee to apply. If something feels off, contact us and we'll help you verify.