Say Yes Cleveland

10/01/2026

🎉 The FAFSA is officially open!

Take an important step toward making college or career training more affordable for the student(s) in your family.

If your student plans to continue their education after high school, encourage them to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. It's required to receive the Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship and may unlock additional financial aid opportunities.

Need help getting started? Visit SayYesCleveland.org to learn more.

09/30/2026

📋 One day until FAFSA opens!

A little preparation now can make the process easier.

Take a few minutes to gather important documents and talk with your student about their plans after graduation.

Remember: Completing the FAFSA is required for the Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship.

You've got this—and we're here to help.

09/24/2026

If your student plans to attend college or career training after high school, now is the time to get ready.

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an important step toward accessing federal and state financial aid—and it's also required for the Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship.

Not sure what you need to get started? Visit the official FAFSA website for tips: https://bit.ly/46pwXxl

09/15/2026

Cleveland families, we’ve got just the event for you if your student isn’t sure what comes after graduation!

Explore options and meet colleges, universities and career organizations all in one place at the Cleveland Goes to College Fair:

📅 September 29
📍 Arnold R. Pinkney East Professional Center

Register here: https://bit.ly/4xyAqFV

09/04/2026

Welcome back, Cleveland students! 📚

A new school year brings new opportunities, new goals and exciting possibilities.

Whether you're thinking about college, exploring career options or looking for additional support, Say Yes Cleveland is here to help students and families navigate every step of the journey.

Here's to a successful school year!

08/27/2026

Back-to-school season is about more than school supplies. It's about making sure every student has the support they need to succeed, and we’re here to help.

Did you know Say Yes Cleveland offers much more than scholarships? Through our network of partners, students can access:

✅ college and career advising
✅ academic support
✅ food assistance
✅ housing resources
✅ and more

Because every Cleveland student deserves the opportunity to build the future they imagine. Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/4y26DVT

02/16/2026

Last week, our leadership and staff rolled up our sleeves at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, packing meals and supporting families across our region. Because we know that when students and families are struggling with food insecurity, it affects everything - attendance, focus, and the ability to thrive in school.

This work reminds us why we do what we do: Cleveland's students and families deserve every opportunity to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond. We're proud to show up for our community in every way we can.

A huge thank you to Supervisor Lamont Davis for organizing this effort and bringing our team together, and to Executive Director Derrick Fulton for leading the charge.

02/13/2026

This afternoon, our Executive Director Derrick Fulton convened his first townhall with Say Yes Cleveland leadership and staff (including a fireside chat with Family Support Specialist Shuntaya Howard.)

During the session, Derrick shared his background and experience, outlined his vision for the organization’s future, and discussed our path forward - one focused on strengthening partnerships with community organizations and deepening our support for Cleveland’s students and families.

We are committed to this work and to the students and families we serve. Together, we will continue building on Say Yes Cleveland’s mission to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

01/16/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Derrick Fulton as Executive Director of Say Yes Cleveland, effective February 9th.

Fulton brings significant expertise in educational leadership and a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for students. His strategic approach and vision align closely with Say Yes Cleveland's mission to increase high school and post-secondary completion rates for Cleveland Metropolitan School District students.

His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our organizational goals and expanding pathways to success for Cleveland students. Please join us in welcoming Fulton to Say Yes Cleveland.

Say Yes Cleveland is proud to announce the appointment of Derrick Fulton as its new Executive Director. Fulton begins his tenure on Monday, February 9th, 2026. A seasoned nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to educational equity and community development, Fulton transitions to the role from his

01/05/2026

Cleveland Metropolitan School District is committed to helping families make informed decisions and find the best fit for their child’s success.

The School Choice Portal is official open on Today, January 5, 2026, until close on Friday, February 27, 2026.

This is an important opportunity for families with scholars at schools impacted by he Building Brighter Futures plan, as well as current 8th graders in all CMSD schools. Additionally, families who wish to request a new CMSD school for the 2026-2027 academic year, and families not currently attending a CMSD school who want to enroll, are encouraged to choose a school.

Don’t miss this chance to shape your scholar’s future. Explore your options and make your selection before the deadline!

For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4n9v76hr.