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Title: VISTA Financial Aid Program Development - Carthage College

Sponsoring Organization: Serve Wisconsin - Wisconsin National and Community Service Board

Project Name: Serve Wisconsin - Wisconsin National and Community Service II

Project Number: 2VSNWI004

Project Period: 08/30/2020 - 11/20/2021

Site Name: Serve Wisconsin

Focus Area(s) Primary: Economic Opportunity

Goal of the Overall VISTA Project: Carthage College is engaged in several campus wide initiatives to fulfill the stated mission and vision of the institution. This work includes educating expansively, integrating regionally, communicating boldly, and excelling responsively. In addition, the college is part of the Moon Shot for Equity which is a regional collaboration to eliminate equity gaps in retention and graduation. A major focus within this project is addressing financial equity gaps that make a college  degree possible. The member will establish a proactive communication plan focused on guiding students and families through the financial process. The end result will improve retention and graduation rates and support initiatives to close equity gaps across campus.

Objective of the Assignment:

Engage in research and training on the financial aid process.

Member Activity (08/30/2021 - 11/20/2021):

  1. Training.
    1. Work with the members of the Student Financial Services team to understand the financial aid process and cycle of student financial services at Carthage College.
  2. Independent Research.
    1. Engage in independent research on the financial aid process and best practices within higher education.

 Objective of the Assignment:

Create a comprehensive annual communication plan to communicate key messages related to the financial aid process.

Member Activity (08/30/2021 - 11/20/2021):

  1. Create Annual Student Financial Services Communication Plan.
    1. Work with the Director of Student Financial Services and Director of Financial Aid to establish an annual Communications Calendar targeted at reaching low-income students. 
    2. Create communications templates (emails, letters, posters…) associated with the annual calendar.
    3. Educate the SFS staff on the annual Communications Calendar.

Objective of the Assignment:

Develop a financial literacy workshop series including a schedule, promotional materials, and content that can be used annually to reach low-income students.

Member Activity (08/30/2021 - 11/20/2021):

  1. Work with campus partners to establish a workshop series that addresses financial literacy and agency.
    1. Develop workshop schedule that can be administered annually.
    2. Create workshop content to target financial literacy and the financial aid process. 
    3. Develop workshop promotional materials that can be updated and used annually.
    4. Train SFS staff to administer the workshop content.

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Institutional Information

Founded in 1847, Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation, so that our students uncover and ignite their true potential. As a four-year private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, we place a strong emphasis on both moral and intellectual values. Our prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, allows students the opportunity to learn in a professional context. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan is home to 150 scholars, 2,600 full-time students, and 400 part-time students. Our rich academic experience equips students with foundational knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to be lifelong learners and to lead meaningful, productive lives.

 Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.