Financial aid in independent schools isn’t a slow trot— it’s a full-on rodeo, with twists, turns, and the occasional wild ride as the ever-changing terrain brings new challenges. This workshop is your trail guide, designed to equip financial aid practitioners with tools and insights for a clear, sustainable path forward. As aid demand rises and budgets tighten, we'll explore best practices, wrangle today’s most pressing issues, and lasso the latest trends. Through interactive breakout sessions, case studies, and group discussions, you'll understand how to refine review protocols, harness platform tools, and develop strategies to support middle-class families, dual-household applicants, and those whose financial realities aren’t always reflected in the numbers. Whether new to the arena or a seasoned rider, this session will provide a practical trail map to enhance efficiency, uphold fairness, and align your financial aid with enrollment goals. Join us to fine-tune your FA compass and move forward with purpose.

Ride away from our pre-con with five ME Practical & Tactical™ takeaways:

1. Trail Map for Complexities – Best practices for unique household scenarios, from divorced parents to families in the financial “in-between.”
2. Packing the Right Tools – Tips to adjust your FA platform’s settings to fit your school’s goals and long-term sustainability.
3. Roping in Fair & Consistent Reviews – Practical steps to establish clear, consistent review protocols aligned with your mission and policies.
4. Navigating the Data Frontier – Key financial aid metrics and trends to help you make informed decisions.
5. Season Readiness Survival Kit – A trail-tested checklist to prepare your FA program, no matter what dust storms roll in.

Presenters:

• Alisa Evans, Founder & CEO, Mission Enrollment
• Anita Harper, Chief Operating Officer, Mission Enrollment
• Jordan Brooks, School Support Director, Mission Enrollment
• School FA practitioners will join ME.