Hazel Park Promise Zone and College Access Network

10/20/2026

The FAFSA is officially open!

The timing for completing financial aid applications matters more than most families expect, and a little preparation now can make the FAFSA far less stressful later.

Before completing the FAFSA, gather contributor information for everyone who needs to be listed, the tax records or consent details that apply to your household, and working FSA ID access for the student and each contributor.

Remember that completing the FAFSA every year is part of staying eligible for our scholarships, so this one isn't optional for our Scholars. Get help with your FAFSA questions at https://hazelparkpromise.org/college-preparation.html

10/13/2026

Not sure what to tackle first this month? These five steps cover most of what a senior needs to move through October.

▪️Build a list of schools and programs including four-year universities, community colleges, apprenticeships, and trades
▪️Check the application deadline for every option on that list
▪️Request your transcripts and any letters of recommendation you'll need
▪️Submit your applications
▪️Review what each school asks for on the financial-aid side

Our college advisers and navigators at the district work through this process with students year-round, so getting stuck somewhere in the middle is normal. Reach out to an adviser at https://hazelparkpromise.org/contact.html

10/07/2026

Registering with the Hazel Park Promise Zone is the first step towards planning for your postsecondary goals. Registration is what makes our scholarships and our student support services available to you, and it's a single form rather than something you complete over and over.

Once you're registered, the rest follows a steady order, and our team can help at any point. Eligibility for our Promise Zone services generally includes:

▪️Graduating from a Hazel Park School District high school
▪️Completing the FAFSA every year
▪️Attending a Michigan postsecondary institution that accepts federal financial aid
▪️Enrolling in at least six credits per semester
▪️Maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA along with Satisfactory Academic Progress

Questions about whether you qualify are always welcome. Start your registration at https://hazelparkpromise.org/scholarships.html

10/04/2026

Hazel Park Promise has a new logo, and we're glad to finally share it with you. Although our look is changing, what we do isn’t.

We're still the same team helping Hazel Park students get to and through college, with scholarships, application and FAFSA support, mentoring, and coaching that continues after enrollment.

You'll start seeing this on our website, our social channels, and the materials we bring to community events. Same mission, same people, new face on it.

Take a look around at https://hazelparkpromise.org/

08/28/2026

Welcome back, Hazel Park students! Whether you are walking into high school for the first time, starting your senior year, or heading off to college this fall, a new school year brings new opportunities.

At Hazel Park Promise Zone, we believe higher education can open doors to:

🔹Greater opportunities
🔹Long-term career growth
🔹Financial stability
🔹Personal success.

That is why we are committed to helping students build confidence and pursue their goals every step of the way.

To every student starting something new this season: we are cheering you on and excited to see what you accomplish.

08/19/2026

At Hazel Park Promise Zone, college access is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to help students feel supported, informed, and empowered as they explore opportunities after high school.

We work to build a strong college-going culture in Hazel Park by providing services such as:

🔹College and career advising
🔹Support with applications and enrollment steps
🔹One-on-one guidance for students and families
🔹Connection to scholarships, resources, and support programs
🔹Encouragement throughout the college journey

Every student deserves access to opportunities and the support needed to pursue their goals. We are proud to help Hazel Park Scholars take those next steps with confidence.

Learn how we support Hazel Park students and families at https://www.hazelparkpromise.org/.

08/11/2026

As summer comes to a close, the Hazel Park Promise Zone continues to support graduating seniors as they prepare for the transition to college.

Important reminders for incoming college students:

🔸Complete any remaining financial aid or verification steps
🔸Register for orientation
🔸Finalize housing and move-in information
🔸Submit required documents and paperwork
🔸Check your student portal and college email regularly

These final steps can make a big difference in starting the semester smoothly, and our team is here to help students navigate the process with confidence.

Need help? Contact us today: https://www.hazelparkpromise.org/contact.html

07/22/2026

A huge thank you to Greg Molitor and Lazy River Massage for their incredible generosity and support of the Hazel Park Promise Zone!

We were honored to be selected as one of Lazy River Massage's monthly nonprofit partners. Thanks to Greg, the Lazy River team, and everyone who supported this initiative, more than $500 was raised to help our scholars pursue their post-secondary education goals.

We truly appreciate your commitment to investing in our students and our community. Thank you, Greg!

Be sure to check out Lazy River Massage in Ferndale:

Unwind with a personalized full-body massage crafted to your needs. Let stress melt away, ease aches, and restore your body and mind to a peaceful balance.

07/16/2026

Meet Katrina, the person cheering on our college students every step of the way! As the Manager of College Success for Hazel Park Promise Zone, Katrina works closely with students as they transition from high school to college and continue working toward their goals.

From answering questions about enrollment and campus resources to helping students stay connected and supported throughout their college journey, she is dedicated to making sure Hazel Park students know they are never navigating it alone.

Building a strong college-going culture starts with relationships, encouragement, and access to support, and Katrina is proud to be part of that mission every day.

07/10/2026

FAFSA is one of the biggest steps toward college funding opportunities. Every year, many students delay completing their FAFSA, but submitting it can open the door to:

🔸Grants
🔸Scholarships
🔸Work-study opportunities
🔸Other forms of financial support for college.

If you are planning to attend college this fall, now is the time to make sure your 26-27 FAFSA is completed and any follow-up steps are taken care of. Visit Studentaid.gov to complete your application.

If you are unsure where to start, need help correcting information, or need help understanding next steps, Hazel Park Promise Zone is here to help.