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GRACIAS is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and mentorship to students and families in Latino Communities to expand access to higher education. GRACIAS Leadership Team Welcome to the GRACIAS Leadership Team page! Our team is composed of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making positive impact in the Gracias community. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and have studied various fields such as business, education, and social work. "Valuable Change with Quality Leaders..." With our combined knowledge, talents, and expertise in our dedicated fields, we are committed to creating a better future for GRACIAS through our leadership and community involvement. Board of Trustees Ricardo Ramos Founder & President Saludos! I graduated from Georgia Tech last year with a Bachelor's of Science. Aside from managing this nonprofit, I work full-time as a EMT for Grady and coach youth soccer in Lindbergh. Born and raised in metro Atlanta, I love to give back to my community. I also enjoy going to the gym and traveling. Executive Committee Erika Contreras Director of Marketing Hey! I'm an out of state undergraduate student from Texas majoring in Business Administration and Korean at Emory University. I’m involved with Catholic Charities as an assistant English teacher and love to be involved on campus. I love to watch Korean kdrama and K-pop. I am excited to give back to the Latino community as I continue my journey in Atlanta and get to know the people and their aspirations. Department of Marketing Ivan Zapote Social Media Manager Hello! I am a first-generation Mexican American, born and raised in South Georgia. After recently graduating from Georgia Tech, I took some time off to spend with friends and travel. Reflecting on my university experience, which I navigated somewhat blindly, I am eager to contribute to an organization that offers guidance and clarity to incoming university students from similar backgrounds. Department of Outreach Mayra Calderon Cobb County Community Liason Hello! I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Anthropology and a minor in Biomedical Research from UCLA in the Summer of 2023. I spent most of my undergrad working as a lab technician and participating in research while also working various customer service roles. I’m now working towards my MD and looking forward to applying soon! I’m also a Mexican folklorico dancer for the TEOTL Foundation. I’m very passionate about serving my community and now serving the youth of Atlanta! Department of Programs Luis Lujan Digital Resource Specialist (WhatsApp) Hola a todos! My name is Luis Lujan, and I’m a Biomedical Engineering student at Georgia Tech. I was born in Peru and moved to the U.S. at 16. If you know a great spot for ceviche or pollo a la brasa in Atlanta, let me know—I’m willing to drive hours for it! When I’m not buried in schoolwork, I spend my time volunteering as a medical interpreter or doing research. I believe education is a powerful tool for growth, and I hope to inspire others to embrace learning and overcome obstacles. College Chapters Valerie Zavala President of Georgia Tech Chapter Hola todos! My name is Valerie Zavala and I am a third year majoring in business administration with a concentration in IT management at Georgia tech. My heritage is Mexican! Helping out the Latino community is very important because it allows for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, while empowering communities so we can all thrive together.

Discover how GRACIAS is being recognized and celebrated by our local and national press and media, in English and Spanish! PRESS AND MEDIA Discover how GRACIAS is being recognized and celebrated by our local and national press and media, in English and Spanish! GRACIAS for your recognition! Todos Somos Héroes 2024 By Telemundo Atlanta Check Out Telemundo Atlanta's Instagram Post! CHECK IT OUT! Our Articles Our organization is quickly growing, helping communities across Metro Atlanta. As we grow, we get noticed. Here's what they're saying... GRACIAS Hopes to Get Others Involved in Making an Impact During Hispanic Heritage Month By Juan Anselmo September 29, 20 23 "Biology (pre-med) undergrad Ricardo Ramos and CS undergrad Lindsay Estrella bring their non-profit to Georgia Tech’s campus with hispanic treats and games..." Click here to read full article! Juan Anselmo is an experienced, rising local journalist. For questions and journalism inquiries, email juananselmo922@gmail.com .

GRACIAS is a Metro Atlanta non-profit dedicated to providing resources for students and families in Latino communities to expand access to higher education. Directors Edu Advocacy Thank you letter Directors 1/6 A Thank You Letter From the Directors To GRACIAS Volunteers Follow us on the GRACIAS Instagram page @gracias_atl and join us for our 2024-25 Volunteer Appreciation Week to celebrate the contributions of our hard-working volunteers to the GRACIAS mission! GRACIAS to our volunteers! Empower Your Education Journey with Gracias Our Mission GRACIAS is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and mentorship to students and families in Latino Communities to expand access to higher education. Join the Mission! OPPORTUNITIES GRACIAS Congratulations to Jennifer Bacilio ¡Volunteer of the Year! Follow us on the GRACIAS Instagram page @gracias_atl and join us for our 2024-25 Volunteer Appreciation Week to celebrate the contributions of our hard-working volunteers to the GRACIAS mission! GRACIAS for all your hard work, Jennifer! Volunteer of the Year Award Why volunteer at GRACIAS? Volunteer of the Year Award 1/2 Support Education Empowerment at GRACIAS DONATE TODAY Stay Updated with the Latest Educational Resources Join our newsletter to stay informed about the latest educational resources, success stories, and opportunities within the Atlanta Latino community. Subscribe Subscribe to Our Newsletter JOIN NOW Thank You for Joining Us! Upcoming Events Multiple Dates GRACIAS Discord Launch! Wed, May 07 Discord More info Details Our Services 1 Community Presentations and Outreach Events Going to public schools and community centers holding events where we... Connect students with current college students and alumni Provide information about college options and the application process Provide information about financial aid and scholarships Advice about better preparing and adapting to college Provide information about jobs made possible with a college education Assist with completing the FAFSA Learn More 2 The High School Mentorship Program We pair current college students with high school students during their last semester of high school and first semester of college. The pair will meet monthly to provide the mentee with personalized advice and a feeling of community and support. Learn More 3 Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources We promote dozens of scholarships open to the Latino community as well as award thousands of dollars each spring to rising college students. Learn More Check out our latest videos and posts on the GRACIAS_ATL Instagram page! FOLLOW US The Atlanta Latino Community The Latino community in Metro Atlanta is... 2nd biggest growing ethnic group, increasing at rate of 31% (source: Atlanta Regional) 1/4 or 1/3 of students in school districts are Latino (Atlanta Regional) no greater than 12% enrollment in most colleges and universities are Latino (Excelencia in Education) only 45.8% of Latinos pursue a college education (Excelencia in Education) highest drop-out rate of any ethnic group (Excelencia in Education) Common Barriers to Higher Education Insufficient Funds to Afford Higher Education Limited Access to College Preparation & Support Unawareness of Admissions Process & Financial Aid Extended Duties & Financial Responsibilities Cultural and Familial Expectations Imposter Syndrome & First-Generation Experience Get Involved! Looking to get involved with GRACIAS and helping our community? Join our WhatsApp to connect with volunteer opportunities! JOIN US GRACIAS for helping! "A Look Back" at Our Past Events... 2025 "A Look Back" 2024 Sponsorships & Donations Since GRACIAS started in September 2023, we have raised $11,764 towards our mission... GRACIAS for your support!

Social Media Channels One of the best ways to stay up-to-date with GRACIAS events and get connected with our programs, resources, and community is through our social media channels! Check out the content and resources we offer through our YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn channels below. YouTube Channel GRACIAS Nonprofit On the GRACIAS Nonprofit channel, you can access webinar videos and resources, such as... Stories to success by Hispanic professionals Information on admission processes for local Georgia universities and colleges And many more to come! Subscribe Here

The GRACIAS Mentorship Program is designed to support rising college students by providing them with guidance and resources to achieve their educational and career goals. GRACIAS Presents Mentorship Program The GRACIAS Mentorship Program is designed to support rising college students by providing them with guidance and resources to achieve their educational and career goals. Our program pairs high school students with current college students who act as mentors, offering personalized advice and support. The Transition From High School To College Our unique approach extends mentorship into the first semester of college, ensuring a smoother transition from high school to higher education. By matching mentees with mentors attending the colleges they aspire to join, we help foster a supportive and familiar environment that encourages academic success and personal growth. Mentor & Mentee Applications Are you interesting in becoming a mentor or mentee? Mentorship What is the program's goal? To help LatinX aspiring college students successfully navigate the college application, admissions, and financial aid process. What will this program provide? Information on valuable college resources, dedicated mentor to whom ask specific questions, and support throughout the college process. Mentors Who is eligible? LatinX college students and recent graduates who are interested in helping LatinX high schoolers through the college application process and transition experience. How do I apply? Apply though this Google Form . When is the deadline? December 20, 2024 (Deadline Passed) Mentees Who is eligible? LatinX high school students who are looking for guidance on the college application process from those who went through it and overcame barriers towards higher education. How do I apply? Apply through this Google Form . When is the deadline? December 20, 2024 (Deadline Passed) Mentorship Program FAQs Will my personal information be shared with anyone? GRACIAS is a private, non-profit organization with no affiliation to any governing body or school. Your information will solely be used for pairing mentors with mentees and no distributed anywhere else. Is the Mentorship Program only open to US Citizens? Guided by our goal, this mentorship program is open to all members of the Latino community regardless your citizenship status. This program is open to US citizens, noncitizens, DACA recipients, and undocumented high school students. We will never ask for any form of documentation regarding your identity nor citizenship. However, you must be able to demonstrate record of enrollment at a school part of a Metro Atlanta school district and proof of residence. How do I provide proof of enrollment? While applying, you must provide one of the following: Notarized certificate of school enrollment form Official or unofficial school transcript Most recent progress or grade report Current school identification card, issued by the school or school system Other forms of school identification

Our webinar series brings colleges and universities straight to you, sharing valuable insights into the admission process and what they are doing to help Latino students succeed. Si Se Puede Webinar Series Our webinar series brings colleges and universities straight to you, sharing valuable insights into the admission process and what they are doing to help Latino students succeed. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about the resources available to you. Check out our current and upcoming webinars below. Si Se Puede Webinar Series by GRACIAS Si Se Puede: Lanier Tech GRACIAS Nonprofit Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing Si Se Puede: Lanier Tech 14:46 Play Video Now Playing Si Se Puede Presentation- University of North Georgia (UNG) 25:39 Play Video Now Playing Si Se Puede: Georgia Tech 01:16:32 Play Video

Resources designed to assist you with your college application process: webinars, mentorship, FAFSA guidance, scholarship database, WhatsApp forums, and a comprehensive list of colleges in Georgia! GRACIAS Student Resources Explore our extensive range of free resources designed to assist you with your college application process. Our offerings include webinars, mentorship, FAFSA guidance, scholarship database, WhatsApp forums, and a comprehensive list of colleges in Georgia! We invite you to visit our website to access these valuable tools and receive expert guidance. Scholarship Resources Hub Check out links and resources below! Admissions Resources: From Application to Acceptance We know that applying to college can be overwhelming, so we've compiled a collection of helpful resources to assist you every step of the way. Our Admissions Resources section features informative PDF files that walk you through different college application methods such as the Common App. Don't let the application process cause you anxiety - let our resources guide you. Funding Your Education: Financial Aid & Scholarships We believe that finance shouldn't be a barrier to education. That's why we offer a variety of financial aid and scholarship resources, so that anyone can access funds for their education. Our PDF files contain valuable information on grants and funding, and our scholarship page has all the details on how to apply and what you need to know. Whether you're just starting out or well into your studies, we're here to help. Filling Out the FAFSA: A Guide & Resources We know that filling out the FAFSA can be a daunting task. That's why we offer a wide range of resources to help you get started, including downloadable PDF files that explain the process, list the documents you will need, and provide examples of how to fill out the forms. We are here to support you every step of the way. Home

A compilation of resource videos directly from the Federal Student Aid (FSA) resources page into easy-to-manage video playlists to guide you through the application process. A Guide to FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free application that determines a student's is eligibility for federal financial aid. GRACIAS has compiled resource videos directly from the Federal Student Aid (FSA) resources page into easy-to-manage video playlists to guide you through the application process. Please take advantage of this guide and other resources on our website to help you get access to financial aid for higher eductaion. Step-by-Step Guide to FAFSA Form Step-by-step Guide on Filling Out the FAFSA Applying for Financial Aid With the FAFSA® Form Federal Student Aid Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing Applying for Financial Aid With the FAFSA® Form 02:07 Play Video Now Playing Gather Information Required To Complete the FAFSA® Form 01:51 Play Video Now Playing Understand and Prepare FAFSA® Form Contributors 02:34 Play Video Now Playing Start Your FAFSA® Form 02:57 Play Video Now Playing Complete the Personal Circumstances and Demographics Sections of the FAFSA® Form 03:35 Play Video Now Playing Select Schools To Include on Your 2024–25 FAFSA® Form 01:45 Play Video What to Know Before Starting the FAFSA What to Know Before Starting the FAFSA Play Video Play Video 01:58 What Is FAFSA®? The FAFSA® form, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form used to apply for financial aid. Completing the FAFSA form is the only way to access the largest source of financial aid—federal student aid—to help you pay for your education. Students who submit the FAFSA form may become eligible to receive scholarships, grants, work-study funds, and student loans. Schools use the information provided on the FAFSA form to calculate aid packages and then put together an aid offer. It’s important to submit a FAFSA form every year you plan to attend college or career/trade school to remain eligible and receive aid. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form head to https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/pro-tips Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov. Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf Play Video Play Video 01:31 Who Is a Contributor on the FAFSA® Form? A contributor is anyone required to provide information, a signature, and consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly into the _Free Application for Federal Student Aid_ (FAFSA®) form. This may include the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or a stepparent. Contributors are not financially responsible for the student’s education. By providing consent and approval, a contributor’s federal tax information will be used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal student aid. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form head to https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/pro-tips Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov Play Video Play Video 01:45 Why Do My Contributors and I Need Our Own StudentAid.gov Accounts for the FAFSA® Form? Before you and your contributors start to fill out your online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, you’ll each need to create a StudentAid.gov account so that you can complete your required sections of the form and be eligible for federal student aid. Your StudentAid.gov account contains verified personal information, so each StudentAid.gov account can link to only one person. Don’t wait. Take the first step to completing your FAFSA form today and create a StudentAid.gov account. Create your StudentAid.gov account at https://StudentAid.gov/fsa-id/create-account Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, head to https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/pro-tips Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf Play Video Play Video 02:36 What’s Changed for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form? This video contains information for the 2024–25 FAFSA® form. For current FAFSA information, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fillingout Some of the biggest changes to the online 2024–25 FAFSA form included the ability to access the status of your FAFSA form in your StudentAid.gov account Dashboard and the ability to have your FAFSA information sent to up to 20 colleges, career schools, or trade schools. Contributor participation is also needed for a FAFSA form to be complete. A contributor is anyone required to provide a signature on a student’s FAFSA form as well as consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly into the FAFSA form. Contributors may include the student, their spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or a stepparent. Each contributor must have their own StudentAid.gov account to access the online FAFSA form. The 2024–25 FAFSA form is available for students attending college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. When you submit your completed FAFSA form, you’ll get an email confirming that we received your form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that you, the student, start and complete your sections of the 2024–25 FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fafsatips Watch the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWUwCAWJ8l_ZLf Learn more about the FAFSA process: https://StudentAid.gov/fillingout Creating a Student and Parent Account Creating Your FSA ID Account Play Video Play Video 03:01 Create and Access Your StudentAid.gov Account If you plan to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, you will need to create a StudentAid.gov account username and password. Not only can you use your StudentAid.gov account to complete and sign the FAFSA form, but you can also use it to sign the Master Promissory Note to receive student loans. You’ll also be able to explore loan repayment plans and access valuable resources like loan counseling and the PSLF Help Tool. Each contributor must create their own StudentAid.gov account. It’s important to safeguard account credentials and not share them with others, including family members. This video covers how to regain access to your account if necessary. When you submit your completed FAFSA form, you’ll get an email confirming that we received your form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. You’ll receive your full financial aid offer(s) from the schools that you listed on your FAFSA form and were accepted to. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fafsatips Watch the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ18cBXJb2r5mzyFoh9e9mcl Create a StudentAid.gov account: https://StudentAid.gov/create-account Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out Play Video Play Video 06:33 How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID) for StudentAid.gov Walk through the process of creating your own Federal Student Aid (FSA) account username and password, also known as an FSA ID. Your FSA ID can be used to securely log in to U.S. Department of Education websites such as https://StudentAid.gov. You’ll also learn how to set up two-step verification to better protect your identity and account information. If you plan to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form when it becomes available on Oct. 1, you (and your parent if you're a dependent student) should create an FSA ID as soon as possible. To create an account, go to https://StudentAid.gov/login 0:25 Personal Information 1:29 Account Information 1:55 Contact Information 2:13 Communication Preferences 2:49 Challenge Questions 3:08 Confirm and Verify 3:24 Verify Your Contact Info 5:27 Congratulations! You’ve Created Your FSA ID Update for the 2024-25 FAFSA form: Starting in December 2023, you will be able to create a StudentAid.gov account even if you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN). To do so, you’ll follow the prompts on-screen to enter your information and select the “I don’t have a Social Security number” checkbox. Watch our video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu_EfT5_qtM&list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf&index=7 Play Video Play Video 06:57 Troubleshooting Your Account Username and Password (FSA ID) Watch the updated version of this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42p5MHwsBc Troubleshooting your account username and password (FSA ID) tutorial: 0:23 Forgot Username 0:46 Retrieve Your Username 1:09 Retrieve Username by Phone 1:44 Retrieve Username by Email 2:28 Retrieve Username by Challenge Questions 3:06 Forgot Password 3:25 Reset Your Password 3:59 Reset Your Password by Phone 4:22 Reset Your Password by Email 4:43 Reset Your Password by Challenge Questions 5:58 Unlock Your Account 6:25 When All Else Fails This video helps you regain access to your FSA ID. An FSA ID is simply a username and password combination, which can be used to securely log in to U.S. Department of Education websites like https://StudentAid.gov and https://fafsa.gov. If you plan to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form when it becomes available, you (and your parent if you're a dependent student) should create an FSA ID as soon as possible. To log in, visit https://StudentAid.gov/login Note: The myStudentAid mobile app is no longer available. Play Video Play Video 10:11 Troubleshooting Your StudentAid.gov Account Follow this tutorial for troubleshooting your StudentAid.gov account. 00:25 - Forgot Username 00:46 - Retrieve Your Username 01:16 - Retrieve Username by Phone 02:07 - Retrieve Username by Email 03:09 - Retrieve Username by Authenticator App 03:48 - Retrieve Username by Challenge Questions 04:26 - Forgot Password 05:24 - Reset Your Password by Phone 05:47 - Reset Your Password by Email 06:08 - Reset Your Password by Authenticator App 06:24 - Reset Your Password by Challenge Questions 06:53 - Reset Your Password 07:38 - Recover Account with Photo ID 08:22 - Unlock Your Account 08:51 - No Two-Step Verification Access 09:36 - When All Else Fails This video helps you regain access to your StudentAid.gov account. Your account requires a username and password combination, sometimes called an FSA ID, which can be used to securely log in to U.S. Department of Education websites like https://StudentAid.gov and https://fafsa.gov. If you plan to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, you (and any additional contributors who might participate on your form, such as a parent or spouse) should create your own StudentAid.gov account as soon as possible. To log in, visit https://StudentAid.gov/login "What If..." Questions While Doing FAFSA "What if..." When Filling Out FAFSA Play Video Play Video 03:38 How Do I Create a StudentAid.gov Account If I Don’t Have a Social Security Number? To complete the 2024–25 online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, you will need a StudentAid.gov account. Starting in December 2023, you will be able to create a StudentAid.gov account even if you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN). To do so, you’ll follow the prompts on-screen to enter your information and select the “I don’t have a Social Security number” checkbox. Accounts created without an SSN have limited functionality. The only people who should create an account without an SSN are a student’s parent or spouse who doesn’t have an SSN or a student who’s a citizen of the Freely Associated States and needs to complete the FAFSA form online. You must have an SSN or be a citizen of the Freely Associated States to be eligible to receive federal student aid. More: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/contributor-social-security-number The 2024–25 FAFSA form is available for students attending college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. When you submit your completed FAFSA form, you’ll get an email confirming that we received your form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. We’ll provide your FAFSA eligibility information to your school(s) and state in the first half of March. More information: https://StudentAid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the 2024–25 FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form head to https://StudentAid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/pro-tips Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov More about the account creation process if you do not have an SSN: https://StudentAid.gov/help-center/answers/article/create-an-fsa-id-dont-have-an-ssn Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf Play Video Play Video 02:31 How Do I Complete the FAFSA® Form If My Parent Is a Noncitizen? It’s important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to be eligible for federal student aid even if your parent is not a U.S. citizen. Your parent’s citizenship status will not affect your eligibility for federal student aid, but if you’re a dependent student, their information will be required on the FAFSA form. If your parent is identified as a contributor, they will need to create their own StudentAid.gov account to access your form. After they provide their information, their consent and approval to transfer federal tax information, and a signature, you’ll be able to complete and submit your FAFSA form. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their sections of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fafsatips Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf Play Video Play Video 02:24 How Do I Complete the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form If My Parents Are Divorced or Separated? Watch an updated version of this video: https://youtu.be/P0x9FBflf4U Parent information is required when completing and submitting the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form if you’re considered a dependent student. If your parents are divorced or separated, which parent’s information will be required is determined by whether your parents live together or not and which parent provided the most financial support. The 2024–25 FAFSA form is available for students attending college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. When you submit your completed FAFSA form, you’ll get an email confirming that we received your form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. We’ll provide your FAFSA eligibility information to your school(s) and state in the first half of March. More information: https://StudentAid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the 2024–25 FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form head to https://StudentAid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/pro-tips Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf Play Video Play Video 01:58 What Does It Mean To Provide Consent and Approval on the FAFSA® Form? Providing consent and approval on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is a requirement for federal student aid eligibility. When you and your contributors provide consent and approval on the FAFSA form, you agree to • share your personally identifiable information provided on the form with the IRS, • have your federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form, • allow the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to use the information to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, • allow ED to share your federal tax information with schools and state higher education agencies, and • allow ED to reuse federal tax information on other FAFSA forms you’re invited to. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their sections of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fafsatips Learn more about the FAFSA process: https://StudentAid.gov Start your FAFSA form: https://fafsa.gov Watch the full FAFSA FAQ playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf "I'm Done, Now What Happens?" I Completed the FAFSA, Now What? Play Video Play Video 02:15 What Happens After Submitting Your FAFSA® Form? If you’re submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, make sure you know what to expect next. After you’ve completed your FAFSA form, the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid will begin processing your form. You’ll receive a confirmation email with important information, so make sure you review it carefully. Keep an eye out for any additional communications, including an email that your FAFSA Submission Summary is available, which you’ll receive after your form is processed. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their sections of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fafsatips Learn more about the FAFSA process: https://StudentAid.gov Start your FAFSA form: https://fafsa.gov Watch the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ1QiU3gCEUDm9H8AZaPm4SP Play Video Play Video 03:02 What Happens After Your FAFSA® Form Is Processed? After you’ve submitted your online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, it will be processed in one to three days. Next, you’ll receive an email with instructions to access your FAFSA Submission Summary. It will include four tabs: Eligibility Overview, FAFSA Form Answers, School Information, and Next Steps. Make sure you review all of the information on your FAFSA Submission Summary carefully. The 2024–25 FAFSA form is available for students attending college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. When you submit your completed FAFSA form, you’ll get an email confirming that we received your form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. We’ll provide your FAFSA eligibility information to your school(s) and state in the first half of March. More information: https://StudentAid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their section of the 2024–25 FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form head to https://StudentAid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-support/pro-tips Learn more about the FAFSA process at https://StudentAid.gov. Start your FAFSA form at https://fafsa.gov. Watch the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ1QiU3gCEUDm9H8AZaPm4SP. Play Video Play Video 03:10 Where’s My Financial Aid? If you’ve submitted your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and you’ve received your FAFSA Submission Summary, you may be wondering when and how you’ll receive your financial aid. If you’re accepted at a college or career/trade school that you listed on your FAFSA form, the school will send you a financial aid offer. It will include the types and amounts of financial aid that you’re being offered. Review your options carefully and make sure that you respond to your aid offer before the deadline listed. Your school’s financial aid office will disburse your financial aid to you at the start of the term. Pro tip: We strongly recommend that students start and complete their sections of the FAFSA form first to save time and prevent errors. For more tips on completing the form, visit: https://StudentAid.gov/fafsatips Learn more about the FAFSA process: https://StudentAid.gov Start your FAFSA form: https://fafsa.gov Watch the entire playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ1QiU3gCEUDm9H8AZaPm4SP

By donating to GRACIAS, you invest in the future leaders of our community and contribute to a more equitable and educated society. Help us create opportunities, break down barriers, and empower the next generation... Donate Online "From the community, para la comunidad" Welcome to the Support Us page for GRACIAS. We believe in the transformative power of education and are passionate about providing support and resources to our community members. As a registered 501(c)(3) domestic nonprofit corporation, every donation you make directly impacts the lives of individuals striving to achieve their educational dreams. Your support enables us to offer scholarships, mentorship programs, and educational workshops that equip Hispanic and Latino students with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally. By donating to GRACIAS, you are investing in the future leaders of our community and contributing to a more equitable and educated society. Together, we can create opportunities, break down barriers, and empower the next generation of Hispanic and Latino scholars in Atlanta. Join us in making a difference today. Your generosity matters—thank you for supporting GRACIAS! Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $5 $5 $10 $10 $25 $25 $100 $100 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate

GRACIAS Presents Educational Awareness Series Find resources for applying to college as an undocumented student and information on the HB18 bill affecting our community in our Educational Awareness series! Check out the GRACIAS Educational Awareness LinkTree for more information and access to resources for undocumented students! Encuentre recursos para postularse a la universidad como estudiante indocumentado e información sobre el proyecto de ley HB18 que afecta a nuestra comunidad en nuestra serie de Concientización Educativa. ¡Consulta el LinkTree de Concientización Educativa de GRACIAS para obtener más información y acceso a recursos para estudiantes indocumentados! Part 1: Undocumented? You can still get a higher education! If you are undocumented and interested in college, consider private universities such as Oglethorpe University and Emory University. You should also consider checking out our Educational Awareness LinkTree for an extensive list of out-of-state schools that accept undocumented students. Parte 1: ¿Indocumentado? ¡Todavía puedes obtener una educación! Si eres indocumentado y te interesa la universidad, considera universidades privadas como la Universidad de Oglethorpe y la Universidad de Emory. También puedes consultar nuestro LinkTree de Concientización Educativa para obtener una lista completa de universidades fuera del estado que aceptan estudiantes indocumentados. Part 2: Do you know about HB18? The HB18 Bill would make dual enrollment available only for legal residents of Georgia. In other words, undocumented students will not be able to participate in this program, which will limit their educational and future career opportunities. For more information, check out Action Network's Letter Campaign: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/keep-dual-enrollment-for-all-georgia-high-schoolers/ Parte 2: ¿Conoce el proyecto de ley HB18? El Proyecto de Ley HB18 habilitaría la doble matrícula solo para residentes legales de Georgia. En otras palabras, los estudiantes indocumentados no podrán participar en este programa, lo que limitará sus oportunidades educativas y profesionales futuras. Para más información, consulte la campaña de cartas de Action Network: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/keep-dual-enrollment-for-all-georgia-high-schoolers/ Part 3: Do you want to help prevent HB18 from being passed? 1. Find your representative at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative using your zip code. 2. Find their contact information on the website or through a google search. 3. Write letters, emails, or schedule a meeting with your legislators to voice your concerns. Parte 3: ¿Quieres ayudar a evitar que se apruebe la HB18? 1. Encuentre a su representante en https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative usando su código postal. 2. Encuentre su información de contacto en el sitio web o mediante una búsqueda en Google. 3. Escriba cartas, correos electrónicos o programe una reunión con sus legisladores para expresar sus inquietudes. Part 4: Are you an undocumented student looking to finance your education? Even though you may not be able to fill out the FAFSA form for federal aid, there are still plenty of scholarships available to undocumented students! Check out the following link to Immigrants Rising for a comprehensive list of scholarships: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/ Parte 4: ¿Es usted un estudiante indocumentado que busca financiar su educación? Aunque no puedas completar la FAFSA para obtener ayuda federal, ¡existen muchas becas disponibles para estudiantes indocumentados! Consulta el siguiente enlace de Immigrants Rising para obtener una lista completa de becas: https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/ From the community, para la communidad... Thank you for helping us achieve our mission! GRACIAS Atlanta Part 5: What happens if they take away the Department of Education? If the Department of Education is eliminated, it would leave public schools throughout the country without essential federal grants needed to support our children's education. This would also leave states without enough funding nor people to enforce laws and distribute funds to local public schools, leading to a lower quality of education everywhere. Parte 5: ¿Qué pasaría si eliminan el Departamento de Educación? Si se elimina el Departamento de Educación, las escuelas públicas de todo el país se quedarían sin las subvenciones federales esenciales necesarias para apoyar la educación de nuestros niños. Esto también dejaría a los estados sin fondos suficientes ni personal para hacer cumplir las leyes y distribuir fondos a las escuelas públicas locales, lo que conduciría a una educación de menor calidad en todas partes. Part 6: "Did you know..." Georgia Board of Regents Policy 4.1.6 The Georgia Board of Regents Policy 4.1.6 bars undocumented students from attending in Georgia's top universities, including Georgia Tech, Georgia College, University of Georgia, Georgia State, and Medical College of Georgia. With a history of barring African American students before desegregation, we should question the reason behind the systemic barriers that prevent undocumented students from pursuing higher education in Georgia. Parte 2: "¿Sabías que...?" Politica 4.1.6 de La Junta de Regentes de Georgia La Política 4.1.6 de la Junta de Regentes de Georgia prohíbe a los estudiantes indocumentados asistir a las mejores universidades de Georgia, incluyendo Georgia Tech, Georgia College, University of Georgia, Georgia State y Medical College of Georgia. Con un historial de exclusión de estudiantes afroamericanos antes de la desegregación, deberíamos cuestionar la razón detrás de las barreras sistémicas que impiden que los estudiantes indocumentados continúen la educación superior en Georgia. Part 7: "Did you know...?" Tuition Costs for Undocumented Students The Georgia public state colleges outside of the top 5 that bar undocumented students require students with undocumented and DACA status to pay out-of-state tuition and fees, regardless of their Georgia residency. Often, this cost can be 3 times or more what students with legal status and Georgia residency pay. Parte 7: ¿Sabías que...? Costos de matrícula para estudiantes indocumentados Las universidades públicas estatales de Georgia que no se encuentran entre las 5 mejores que prohíben el ingreso de estudiantes indocumentados exigen que los estudiantes indocumentados y con estatus DACA paguen la matrícula y las cuotas de fuera del estado, independientemente de su residencia en Georgia. A menudo, este costo puede ser tres veces o más de lo que pagan los estudiantes con estatus legal y residencia en Georgia.

From volunteering at our community outreach events, volunteering at our fundraising events or coordinating our upcoming events, we have various volunteer opportunities and leadership positions available! Get Involved! Find out how you can get involved in the community through GRACIAS today! Learn More The "G" Stands for Growing... From volunteering at our community outreach events, volunteering at our fundraising events or coordinating our upcoming events, we have volunteer and leadership positions available. If you are interested in gaining leadership and interpersonal skills while helping contribute to our community, please click the link to learn more about our available positions and apply today! Check out our volunteer positions here! Volunteer Opportunities To inquire about volunteer positions, check out our application above to learn about open opportunities. You can also take a look at our Leadership page to learn more about the types of positions available at GRACIAS. To learn about upcoming volunteer events, check out our Upcoming Events or Events Calendar sections. You can also check out our Past Events and "A Look Back..." to learn more about the type of events we host! Finally, we offer many programs and resources at GRACIAS, from WhatsApp Forums, mentorship, and webinars, that require volunteers year-round to help parents, students, and adults in our community achieve their educational goals. Volunteer Positions Volunteer Events Volunteer Programs WhatsApp Join our WhatsApp General Volunteer Forum to stay updated on volunteer opportunities, events, and any other updates about activities at GRACIAS. Join GRACIAS WhatsApp! GroupMe Join our GroupMe general group chat to also stay updated our upcoming volunteer events, new initiatives, important dates, and more about GRACIAS! Join GRACIAS GroupMe!

We are excited to offer a College Support WhatsApp Forum for the chance to ask questions about college and medical school admissions, application processes, requisites, and financial aid. Welcome to our WhatsApp Forums! We are excited to offer a College Support WhatsApp Forum for the chance to ask questions about college and admissions, application processes, requisites, and financial aid. Our current college student volunteers and college admissions representatives are here to answer your questions Monday to Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm ET on our WhatsApp Channel . We hope our WhatsApp forums will provide valuable insights that help you make informed decisions about your future. Feel free to ask any questions you may have! College Support WhatsApp Forum Join us Mondays and Tuesdays from 6 to 8 pm on our WhatsApp Channel! ¡PRE-MED WHATSAPP FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT! The Pre-Med WhatsApp Forum is under works and will be available in the near future. Pre-Med WhatsApp Forum Join us Wednesdays to Fridays , from 6 to 8 pm on our WhatsApp Channel! STAY TUNED!