Resources for South Dakota School Counselors and Financial Aid Professionals
Welcome to Mapping Your Future. We provide information and tools to help you provide effective service to your students and families, especially as they explore higher education as a means to a better future.
Mapping Your Future offers:
The South Dakota College Access News provides information and resources for counselors, students, and parents on planning, paying and succeeding in college.
New schedule released for South Dakota public universities
Students attending South Dakota’s six public universities will need to update their calendars with some new fall academic term dates.
Schedule your fall financial aid night event
It is not too early to schedule your fall financial aid night event with Mapping Your Future.
The action you should take now if you need more financial aid
A lot of things have changed in our world during the past year, and your financial situation may be very different than when you applied for financial aid.
It's more important than ever to complete the FAFSA
And here's why. . .
Mapping Your Future needs your input on impact of COVID-19
In order to address some of the issues impacting FAFSA completion and higher education plans, Mapping Your Future needs your response to a South Dakota COVID-19 survey.
No proactive admissions letters this fall
The South Dakota Department of Education has announced it will not send out proactive admissions or college readiness coursework letters in fall 2020. ACT cancellations depend on testing center
Students planning to take the ACT test this summer should check with the testing site, according to ACT.
Common FAFSA questions addressed in podcasts
Mapping Your Future teamed up with South Dakota financial aid professionals to develop a series of podcasts to help students and parents preparing for higher education. Department of Education launches FAFSA campaign
Students and parents may soon be receiving emails and mobile notifications, reminding that that it’s not too late to complete the FAFSA.
Three South Dakota students named as 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars
Three South Dakota high school seniors have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
New recordings available on financial aid topics
New recordings on various college financial aid topics are available for you to share with your students and their parents.
South Dakota public universities to open in the fall
Face-to-face teaching will resume at South Dakota public universities and schools in the fall, according to an announcement from the South Dakota Board of Regents.
New guidance for South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship under COVID-19
Recognizing that high school students face challenges this year as they try to plan for their future education, the South Dakota Board of Regents recently issued some new guidance for the Opportunity Scholarship. Webinars and other resources for Counselors to manage during COVID-19
In addition to the online resources offered by Mapping Your Future, a number of other organizations are providing services that may be of assistance to counselors and educators as they move programs and classes online.
The ABCs of being a good student
The ABCs aren't just for younger students. Making the most of a virtual college tour
It may not be what you had planned, but a virtual campus tour can help you choose the right college to accomplish your educational goals.
Packing list for college bound students
If your college plans to re-open dorms for the fall semester, you can start preparing now by knowing what you plan to take with you. Important information you can get from the College Scorecard
. . .and why you should care.
Know your options to prepare for loan repayment
When it comes to borrowing money for college, it’s wise to understand repayment requirements and options.
May tasks for high school seniors
Your senior year might look different than you thought it might as it winds down, but don't let yourself become distracted - stay focused and finish your high school career strong.
StudentAidPandemic.org site released
Our world today is dramatically different that it was just a few weeks ago.
Scheduling online presentation for your students
Mapping Your Future can host a variety of online presentations for your students, including financial aid nights, college planning, and financial literacy presentations.
Swier named South Dakota School Counselor of the Year
Ron Swier, K-12 Counselor in the Avon School District, is the American School Counselors Association South Dakota School Counselor of the Year. Department of Education updates online COVID-19 information
The Department of Education updated its "Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents" information on April 1.
Sharing online budgeting resources
With the nature of work and school right now, online resources are more important than ever. Making sure you get important emails from your school or college
The number of emails coming to our inboxes have gone up rapidly in the last few weeks.
Deadline nearing for the 20-21 Build Dakota Scholarship
If you plan to attend one of South Dakota’s Technical Institutes next fall and pursue a degree in an area designated as high need, you could have your education paid for through the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund. Resources for graduating high school seniors
In addition to impacting your current students, the coronavirus and social distancing may interrupt your prospective students' college plans, as well as create questions about their financial aid.
April tasks for high school seniors
Your senior year may not look like you thought it would right now.
Counselor association seeking award nominees
There are so many counselors doing so much great work, it may be tough to decide whom to nominate.
South Dakota Week of Work to benefit students and the state
Finding meaningful work that fulfills a need and serves others – it may be one of our main purposes in life.
South Dakota counselors attend national leadership conference
South Dakota counselors represented the state well last week at the National School Counselors Leadership Conference.
Funding available to help transform career and technical education
For those school districts wanting to make transformative changes in their career and technical education (CTE) programs, there may be funding to help.
Scholarship application webinar materials, recordings available
To provide insight on completing scholarship applications, three webinars were recently held. Deadline near for students seeking Critical Teaching Needs scholarship
South Dakota students interested in applying for the Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Program have just over a month to get their application in for priority consideration. Answering the household question on the FAFSA
It is a simple question, really.
Getting rid of the "what ifs" when choosing a career
Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life can be rather scary. Verification of your financial aid application
You've completed all the paperwork, filled out the forms, and submitted everything by the deadline to apply for financial aid. Is it too late to complete the FAFSA?
Maybe you have put off completing the FAFSA, the federal student aid application, because, after all, you have a million other things to do. March tasks for high school seniors
As your senior year winds down, make sure to complete the necessary admission applications, scholarship essays, and financial aid information. Celebrating the role of school counselor
Mapping Your Future wishes all school counselors a Happy National School Counseling Week!
Celebrating Career and Technical Education in South Dakota
Some 30,000 students in South Dakota participate in career and technical education programs.
South Dakota 2020 Fact Book is available
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about South Dakota higher education is now available in the 2020 Fact Book.
Three steps to selecting a college major
Making any kind of decision is tough - whether we are deciding what to have for supper or deciding what we want to do for the rest of our lives.
Four things successful college students do in high school
Success in life is often the result of good habits.
Taking credit for going to college
If you are a college student, there is more than one way to get credit for your studies. February tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Students have some new career education options at SD universities
The South Dakota Board of Regents last month approved new academic programs at two South Dakota public higher education institutions. What you need to know about the new StudentAid.gov website
The high school counseling community received a gift over the holidays - an enhanced StudentAid.gov website. Four tips to avoid missing scholarship deadlines
If you don't meet the deadline, you won't qualify.
Strategies for making the most of scholarship applications webinar
Share information about this webinar, scheduled for January 30 and February 4, with your students and parents. Where do I start applying for financial aid?
If you are a high school senior or the parent of a senior, the next few months can be crucial to applying for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
Key differences between different job opportunities
Add some on-the-job experience to your education and you are positioning yourself for a successful career. January tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Happy Holidays from Mapping Your Future
We look forward to continuing to work with you in 2020! Encouraged to make a difference
Free conference next week in Sioux Falls to inspire attendees Schedule a College planning event for juniors
College planning events are a great way to encourage juniors to prepare for their senior year and to be ready to complete the FAFSA next fall. Dual credit courses offer multiple benefits to high school students
College can be both an academically inspiring and overwhelming experience.
Priority deadlines for South Dakota colleges
Colleges can have priority deadlines for the FAFSA to help determine who to consider for certain financial aid programs.
Five facts everyone should know about parent student loans
It may be hard to believe, but parents do have a huge influence on the lives of their children.
Working and budgeting in the gig economy
A steady job with a paycheck and benefits may not be a part of the future for some people, and that is just the way they want it. December tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
From SDASFAA: Ask a Financial Aid Professional
The 2020-2021 FAFSA went live on October 1st, and our offices are already working with students for the next academic year.
High school students: Protect your identity
As a high school student, you probably already conduct a lot of your daily life online. South Dakota included in report on challenges faced by rural students
South Dakota is among five priority states identified in a national report addressing the unique challenges faced by students in rural areas. Enrollment declines at South Dakota public universities
Fall enrollment at South Dakota’s six public universities is down 3 percent, according to the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Two ways to qualify for South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
Students who don't have the grades to qualify for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship still have another way to qualify. Four questions to answer before enrolling in study abroad
One of the great things about education after high school is all the opportunities for new experiences and challenges. Apply for these South Dakota scholarships
South Dakota students can now apply for the Board of Regents Endowed Scholarships. Why grades are important in college
It is rare that anyone wants to know my scores in college.
Every college student needs this important skill
It is probably one of the most important skills needed for college. November tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Dashboard provides data on students' education after high school
A Board of Regents online dashboard answers questions about where South Dakota high school students are attending college or postsecondary education in the state. FAFSA webinar materials available
The 2020-21 FAFSA webinars have concluded and the webinar materials are now available. Enhance your financial wellness with free webinars offered by MMI
To manage your personal finances successfully, you need an understanding of important financial tools and techniques.
A worksheet to prepare for the 2020-21 FAFSA
Knowing all the questions on an upcoming exam certainly helps you prepare and chances are you are going to do better. Taking this one step will make completing the FAFSA a lot easier
Completing the federal application for financial aid is a lot easier now than it was a few years ago, thanks to steps taken by the U.S. Department of Education. The best week to apply for college - College Application Week
The college application process can be costly if you want to apply to more than one school or institution. Understanding the types of financial aid
Financial aid is one of the tools that make higher education possible for many students. October tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
Understanding Military Education Benefits webinar recording available
In the August 15th webinar, "Understanding Military Education Benefits - Three Perspectives," panelists provided information and insight on educational benefits for veterans. Order printed brochures, flyers, bookmarks for students and parents
The Estimated Costs and Resources for College-Bound Native American Students flyers have been updated.
Boost your career opportunities through Career Launch SD
If you are between the ages of 16-24 with little to no work history and want to gain real world work experience, Career Launch SD may be able to help.
Do these three things for a great school year
The 2019-20 school year is underway, and it is a time of excitement and anticipation. September tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. August tasks for high school seniors
Starting your senior year is an exciting time. July tasks for high school seniors
During your senior year, you finalized your college choice. New South Dakota academic programs to develop workforce
Students can pursue some new career fields after the South Dakota Board of Regents approved new academic programs at their June meeting. How one little habit can mean huge success in college
It only takes a few minutes a couple of times a day, but it can mean the difference between success and failure. Knowing the code is key to financial aid
Higher Education institutions all have names - sometimes a reflection of the institution's location or history. New academic programs to meet workforce needs
Students will have some new options when considering programs of study at South Dakota public higher education institutions. Get access to your federal student aid info with your phone number
For students, parents, and borrowers, getting access to their accounts on the Department of Education websites may soon be as easy as remembering their own phone number. Spring cleaning your social media accounts
Spring is known for a good time to do some cleaning, and your social media accounts are no exception. Free text tips and reminders for your students and parents
Everyone is pretty busy these days - even high school students.
Countdown to high school graduation
If you are a high school senior getting ready to graduate, the countdown to graduation is exciting but it is a reminder that you have a lot to do in just a few short months. Reviewing your Student Aid Report
If you completed the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report.
Jobs in South Dakota and in the United States
Software developer is one of the fastest growing jobs in South Dakota, according to research done by Yahoo Finance.
South Dakota Report Card for Education indicates progress for schools
More than two-thirds of South Dakota high school graduates pursue postsecondary education, and the majority of those students choose to stay in the state for their education beyond high school. Guide to Life after High School reinforces discussions
Students can benefit from learning in a variety of formats. South Dakota students ready for future success
South Dakota students are scoring better on their ACT exam than students nationwide, and those same students have a high interest in pursuing postsecondary education.
Featuring South Dakota high schools
Mapping Your Future is glad to partner with SDEAF to provide early awareness tools and services to South Dakota high schools, students, and families. U.S. Presidential Scholars Program candidates in South Dakota
Congratulations to the sixty-five South Dakota high school students who are among the list of candidates for the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which honors some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Apply now for the Build Dakota Scholarship
If you plan to attend one of South Dakota’s technical institutes next fall and pursue a degree in an area designated as high need, you could have your education paid for through the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund.
Using South Dakota website resources
The SouthDakota.MappingYourFuture.org website is designed to provide college planning information for South Dakota students and parents, as well as resources and information for South Dakota high school counselors and educators. Dakota Corp Scholarship Program
The Dakota Corps Scholarship Program was created to encourage South Dakota’s high school graduates to: Obtain their postsecondary education in South Dakota Remain in the state upon completion of their education Contribute to the state of South Dakota and its citizens by working in a critical need occupation