Officials with Iowa College Aid say they’ve expanded their efforts to increase college access. The new Course to College program is a partnership with Iowa high schools to guide students toward college enrollment. The components are:

Early Awareness: Helping students understand that college is a realistic goal by explaining the benefits of a college degree and the sources of help available.

College Application Campaign: Encouraging high school seniors to apply to at least one college, often with the support of school staff during school hours.

FAFSA Completion Initiative: Emphasizing the importance of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as the gateway to most financial aid for college, and providing staff support during school hours to file the application.

College Decision Day: Holding school and community events to celebrate high school seniors who have chosen to continue their education.

Summer Transition: Ensuring that students who intend to go to college complete the necessary steps to get there, such as accepting a financial aid package, making required deposits, attending orientation, securing housing and enrolling in fall courses.

The Course to College program expands on Iowa College Aid’s former 3-Step Process, which covered the middle three steps. Participating schools receive free training, planning guides, posters and other print materials. Schools can also learn which students have filed a FAFSA.

Iowa College Aid also reminds prospective college students that it’s not too late to enroll for this fall. The FAFSA cycle is open through the 2017-18 academic year, and some colleges offer rolling deadlines—responding to applications as they come in. Students who are considering enrolling in college this fall can order a free student guide from Iowa College Aid, Your Course to College, either in print or via download.