Student Support Services Office

Scholarships

College Opportunity Program (free tuition at MSC Southeast)

Winona Senior High School graduates in 2023, 2024 and 2025 have the opportunity to attend Minnesota State College Southeast without paying tuition thanks to the College Opportunity Program.

Starting this fall, the College Opportunity Program will cover students’ full cost of tuition and fees and provide a stipend for books, supplies and tools. Winona students graduating in 2023 and 2024 will receive two years (up to 70 credits) at MSC Southeast plus $500 per year towards the cost of books, tools, supplies and materials – up to $1,000 per student.

Because the College Opportunity Program is currently funded through 2026, students who graduate in 2025 will be eligible for one year of college (up to 35 credits) at MSC Southeast and a $500 stipend.

Students can earn a certificate, diploma, or degree from any program taught at MSC Southeast, and will graduate career-ready or prepared to transfer onward to a four-year institution.

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Minnesota Career Information System - MCIS

MCIS (Minnesota Career Information System) is a comprehensive career information and planning system for high school students and adults. It includes a wealth of information on occupations, post-secondary schools of all types, scholarships, job search skills and much more. Users are able to create personal portfolios that support lifelong career planning and promote career self-reliance. MCIS includes tools that encourage self-assessment, exploration, research, goal setting, and decision-making.

By the end of 8th grade all WMS students will have set up a MCIS account with the assistance of their school counselor.

FAFSA 101 Informational Sessions

FAFSA 101 Presentation (use while watching the video)

The Winona Senior High School Counseling Office offers FAFSA 101 informational sessions during registration nights in October and February of each year.

A representative from either Winona State or Minnesota State College Southeast will walk families through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) process, and will have brochures and handouts to disburse.

FAFSA is the form that the federal government, states, colleges and other organizations use to award financial aid. Submitting it is the first step toward accessing grants, scholarships, work-study programs and federal student loans, but there are important variables students and families need to consider before starting the process.

It is recommended that the families of senior students attend the October session, as the FAFSA window opens Oct. 1. Families of junior students should attend the February sessions to prepare for senior year.

Families in Housing Transition

Winona Area Public Schools participates in the F.I.T. Program. During these difficult economic times many families are struggling to keep jobs and homes, and to cover basic expenses. Also, some families are going through relationship changes that are putting stressors on the lives in that household.

Families in Transition is available to assist parents and guardians who may be in need of assistance. In the Winona Area Public Schools we can help get youngsters enrolled in a pre-school program, Community Education offerings, school-aged childcare, or a K-12 academic or athletic program. The F.I.T. program is free and is available year round to also help with information and questions about registration, immunizations, and school breakfast and lunch programs.