The Scholarship GPS Podcast: Your Directions to a Debt-Free College Degree

When families begin the scholarship journey, many parents assume there are only two options: Top of Form Bottom of Form Either parents take over the process completely, or they step back and let students handle everything on their own. Neither approach works very well. The most successful scholarship families usually find a healthier balance... ---------- Student Loan Rates Drop! Last Monday, one of Scholarship GPS’s partner organizations, Juno, saw a significant rate drop for undergraduate loans on Juno’s platform. Juno leverages collective bargaining to negotiate lower student loans. After receiving input from families, they shared feedback with their partner lenders who then lowered rates compared to previous weeks. For many people who need to borrow for college, rates may now be lower. If you’ve completed a rate check before, it is worthwhile to do it again. We don’t know how long these rates will last, and are encouraging families to lock in a rate now. After completing a rate check, if you submit a full application and are approved, your rates are generally locked for 30 days. You can check your rates by clicking here. ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1000 Public by Default Scholarship Maschka Personal Injury $1000 Safety Advocate Scholarship $1000 Jeanne Murphy Scholarship: Compassion in Action $1000 “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship $1000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie $2026 ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship ---------- Free Resource: Click here to download our list of recommended scholarship websites. ---------- Click here to learn more about the Scholarship Navigator program.

THE CAREER IDENTIFICATION COMPASS: How To Be Certain Your 15 To 25 Year Old is On The Right Path to Launch With Confidence–Not Confusion. In This Free Session You'll Discover: The two common mistakes even supportive parents make that quietly stall momentum and increase dependence. How to know with confidence if their next step — college major, career path, or other training — actually fits who they are. What you can do now to help support your young person avoid floundering or falling behind. To access this free training, click the link click here: https://courses.flourishcoachingco.com/a/2148233090/PLHdxFCx ---------- Appealing Financial Aid: AFREE Expert-led Financial Aid Webinar Tuesday, 2/17/26 @ 8pm ET: Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4117679100106/WN_eLa7PW5YR9yhNmQjcD9lKw ---------- Featured Scholarships: $1000 Clark & Howell "Headlights for Hope" Scholarship $2000 Price Benowitz "social Justice" Scholarship $1000 Act of Kindness Scholarship $37,000 Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest $1000 Law Office of David E. Gordon and Elissa M. Coombs "Nuclear Family" Scholarship $2000 Smarter College Better Financial Future Scholarship $1000 Appily Easy Money Scholarship Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/ ---------- Josh See is a former educator of 13 years—teacher, advisor, and principal—turned founder of College In High School. He’s helped 3,000+ people as well as high schools rethink the college journey, starting early to save time and tens of thousands in future college costs, utilizing readily available opportunities that are free or discounted. Driven to reimagine what college can be, Josh challenges the outdated view of starting college after high school at great expense.. In our conversation, Josh and I discussed: How “reverse engineering” college allows students to save time and money The four methods for students to earn college credit while in high school, including: One method that can often be done for free! The role of Advanced Placement courses and tests Taking college classes on a college campus or on your high school campus An online option with a well-known state flagship university The pros and cons of each of these four methods And much more… To connect with Josh, visit is website: https://stan.store/joshsee You can also connect with Josh on his socials: Instagram: @collegeinhighschool Facebook: @collegeinhighschool TikTok: @collegeinhighschool1 YouTube: @collegeinhighschool1

FREE Expert-led Financial Aid Webinars: FAFSA Tips & Tricks: Tuesday, 2/10/26 @ 8pm ET: Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5717679098185/WN_WL4G1MmWT92K8CpJ1MxVyQ Understanding Student Aid Index: Thursday, 2/12/26 @ 8pm ET: Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4217679099261/WN_NxWKorMBRbmL-46qdqGd_w Appealing Financial Aid: Tuesday, 2/17/26 @ 8pm ET: Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4117679100106/WN_eLa7PW5YR9yhNmQjcD9lKw ---------- Featured Scholarships: $2000 Christophers Video Contest for College Students $1000 Cancer Pathways Teen Writing Contest $5000 Christian College Scholarship $2000 Catholic College Scholarship $2000 Smarter College Scholarship Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/ ---------- Katie Azevedo is the founder of SchoolHabits.com, the creator of the Executive Function Journal, and the host of the Learn and Work Smarter Podcast. With a Master's Degree in Special Education and nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Katie specializes in the intersection between ADHD and academics. She runs a private executive function coaching business and an online study skills course, SchoolHabits University, where she helps students and professionals learn and work smarter. In our conversation, Katie explains What motivation is and the factors that affect motivation. The role that parents can play to help motivate students. Why explaining the relevance of scholarship to students is critical for motivation. Why setting expectations is critical. How brain development in teens affects motivation for complex tasks like scholarships. The use of rewards to motivate students to apply for scholarships. Practical tips for parents to partner with their student in the scholarship process. To connect with Katie, visit her website, Schoolhabits.com. Also, please check out Katie’s fantastic podcast, Learn and Work Smarter.

Click here to learn more about the ACE (Access to College Experts) Network, where you will get expert guidance for college admissions, essays, test-prep, scholarships, and even dorm planning, for less than the price of a tank of gas! ---------- Featured Scholarships: $5000 New Year Scholarship $10,000 Scholarships360 No Essay Scholarship “Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students $1500 "I Have a Dream" Scholarship $1000 Recognizing Public Servants Scholarship $1000 Against All Odds Scholarship $1000 5Estimates.com Scholarship Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/ ---------- Brianna Angelucci has worked in education for over 20 years, serving as a high school teacher, college professor, college advisor, and school district administrator. A dedicated lifelong learner, she holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and is currently completing her doctorate. Brianna is passionate about helping students recognize and develop their strengths as they navigate the path to college and beyond. Her coaching is rooted in a growth mindset, offering firm yet supportive guidance throughout the college admissions process. Known for her keen attention to detail and ability to prioritize effectively, she provides in-depth essay support and personalized college application advising. To stay informed on admissions trends, Brianna regularly visits college campuses and connects with admissions professionals. Beyond K–12 education, she has also worked extensively in higher education as an adjunct professor. In our conversation, Brianna and I discussed: How early students should students begin preparing for college admissions, and what should they be doing at each grade level. The biggest mistakes students make with their college applications, especially the essay component. What makes a college essay stand out today, especially with more test-optional schools and higher competition. If a student feels ‘average’ or unsure what to write about, how to find a compelling story. How college admissions is changing right now, and what should families be aware of going into the next cycle. And much more… To connect with Brianna, visit the Level Up Admissions Advising website or connect on Facebook. ---------- Lisa Marker-Robbins has a quick quiz that will help you understand where your 15–25-year-old stands in discovering their direction — and what simple next step can help them move forward with clarity and confidence. This quick quiz will show you exactly what stage they’re in and what to do next to ensure they are on track to launch with confidence. Click here to take the quiz.

Click here to learn more about the ACE (Access to College Experts) Network, where you will get expert guidance for college admissions, essays, test-prep, scholarships, and even dorm planning, for less than the price of a tank of gas! ---------- Featured Scholarships: $4000 Huntington College Scholarship $25,000 Be Bold No Essay Scholarship $2500 Edvisors Scholarship $2500 "No Sweat" Scholarship $2000 CollegeVine Scholarship $2000 Catholic College Scholarship Stossel in the Classroom Essay Contest & Video Contest Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/ ---------- In this episode, I speak with Rob Schimenz of Stossel in the Classroom. Rob and I talk about their essay and video contests which are open to students in middle school, high school, and college, and have a prize pool of $28,000!