Students First Consulting

Scholarship applications are often complicated and out of reach for the students who need them most—those facing housing instability, family separation, or financial crises. What if the solution was as simple as a phone call? A Scholarship Hotline removes barriers by connecting students directly with trained advocates who can provide immediate financial support—no complex forms, no internet access required. An approach like this can be remarkably effective, as demonstrated by similar models in other crisis support contexts as well as COVID-19 student emergency funds. Don't leave your community's most vulnerable students behind. Read our latest blog to learn why and how to begin building your Scholarship Hotline today. https://lnkd.in/epJWtDYD

This week we published guidance for education organizations navigating increased scrutiny of vulnerable student populations. In this comprehensive guide, we share practical tactics for: > Minimizing sensitive data collection > Implementing secure review processes > Creating protected communication channels > Establishing robust technical safeguards The stakes couldn't be higher--these measures can make a meaningful difference in student security and wellbeing, creating an environment where all students can thrive without unnecessary worry or barriers to their success. Read the full article to learn how small changes to your processes can significantly enhance student protection. And remember, we off free consultations to help you implement these strategies effectively. https://lnkd.in/eK8CRMHm

Is your scholarship program prepared for potential scrutiny in today's changing climate? Our latest article outlines an audit-ready framework for scholarship programs, helping you protect your mission while improving operations. From defining clear purposes to engaging stakeholders effectively, these practical steps ensure your program maintains compliance, transparency, and impact. Proper documentation protects you. It also improves everyday operations, builds donor confidence, and keeps focus on what matters most: supporting students effectively. https://lnkd.in/eGQsVybv

One of our clients, the Judy Family Foundation, is hiring! They're looking for an experienced manager to oversee their scholarship program supporting single mothers in higher education. 40 hrs/month, flexible remote work Manage application cycles and fund disbursement Coordinate with 20+ partner organizations Requires 3+ years program/higher ed experience Full position details and application information: https://lnkd.in/e9MAmVgr

Want to keep more scholarship students enrolled? Emergency grants work—increasing retention rates by 3x—but only if your systems are designed for quick, effective response. We've compiled proven practices from scholarship providers nationwide and practical steps you can take now to create or strengthen your emergency fund program. Our latest guide covers: ? Setting student-centered policies ? Streamlining applications ? Getting funds to students quickly ? Supporting long-term success Read our new guide to learn how to create an emergency fund that truly works for students when they need it most: https://lnkd.in/eXhJrYXU Bonus: You can help shape the future of emergency aid programs! Take the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's groundbreaking survey on emergency fund practices: https://lnkd.in/eeyfKnjZ #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #Scholarships #EmergencyAid

Hiring students isn’t just about getting work done—it’s about building connections and creating lasting impact! Engaging students through roles like microinternships, focus groups, and advisory committees offers countless benefits, like gaining firsthand insights into the communities you serve; strengthening your programs, messaging, and donor engagement; and empowering students with meaningful professional experiences. In our latest blog, we share actionable tips to successfully hire and work with students, ensuring a win-win for your organization and the future leaders you support. And we share about Student First Consulting's experience working with student veena Kumari Maheshwari on a microinternship, thanks to partners HubSpot, LinkedIn, Parker Dewey, Cheyenne Boyce, Melody Cooke, and Elizabeth Mazorowicz! https://lnkd.in/eefGqq3h #NonProfitLeadership #StudentEngagement #HiringStudents #MicroInternships #ScholarshipPrograms

The future of higher education is shifting. Are scholarship programs ready? State-level tuition-free college programs like those in Minnesota, Texas, and Washington are making education more accessible for low-income students. But as tuition costs decrease, scholarship providers face new challenges: How can we continue to make an impact when tuition is covered? Which students and costs should we focus on now? In our latest blog, we share actionable strategies for adapting scholarship programs to this evolving landscape. From supporting non-traditional student populations to funding critical living expenses, discover how your organization can remain relevant and effective. https://lnkd.in/ecSwh2Bf #Scholarships #HigherEducation #TuitionFreeCollege #StudentSuccess #EducationAccess #CollegeAffordability?

The holiday season is here! As our team winds down for the year, we're excited to share some of our favorite holiday traditions. From cozy Christmas Eve gatherings to baking delicious treats, we're embracing the festive spirit. We hope you and yours are already enjoying your favorite holiday activities! Sending you our warmest wishes for a lovely holiday season. https://lnkd.in/e3mvaX3q #holidaytraditions #holidayseason #worklifebalance #team

Washington State just made a bold move: They're using SNAP benefits as a proxy for FAFSA to determine income eligibility for financial aid, including guaranteed free-tuition initiatives. This innovation reduces barriers for low-income students, sidesteps FAFSA complexities, and streamlines access to opportunity. Why should scholarship providers take note? Leveraging public benefits as reliable indicators of financial need can simplify processes, broaden access, and truly put students first. Programs like Medicaid, TANF, and Free & Reduced-Price Lunch offer powerful alternatives to traditional income documentation. If it’s good enough for Washington, isn’t it time to rethink how your scholarship program assesses financial need? Let’s break down barriers, focus on impact, and create a more inclusive future for deserving students. Read more and explore actionable steps to make your scholarships student-centric: https://lnkd.in/gq4g25RV #Scholarships #StudentSuccess #FinancialAid #HigherEdInnovation

Missed our recent webinar hosted by the National Scholarship Providers Association? We reported out on key takeaways from the NSPA conference in Salt Lake City and shared case studies of providers making change and seeing impact. We talked about how AI can streamline your processes and enhance student support, how to identify and redistribute underutilized funds, how to simplify disbursement through 529s, and much more. Read our session summary in this post: https://lnkd.in/eXJrrkS7 #scholarship #education #nonprofit #philanthropy #studentsuccess