Resources for Families and College Students Preparing to Go Back to School

As millions of students throughout the country prepare to return to school, we would like to provide information on federal services to help you prepare.

5 government programs that might help you and your family get a head start on the school year

1. The U.S. Department of Education provides a Parent’s Countdown to Success, which includes information on developing relationships with your child's teacher, homework helpers, health and nutrition suggestions for your children, and more.

2. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs provide nutritionally balanced meals to children as a part of their regular school day. Learn more about nutrition programs in your state by visiting the USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs page.

3. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides grants to low-income undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Federal Pell Grants are direct grants awarded through participating institutions to students with financial need who have not received a bachelor's degree or who are enrolled in qualifying post-baccalaureate programs for teacher certification or licensure.

4. Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application used by virtually all two and four-year colleges, universities, and career schools for awarding Federal, state, and college-funded student aid.

5. Federal Work-Study funds part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay postsecondary education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. The total award depends on when the student applies, the level of need, and the funding level of the school.

Discover Even More Benefits You May Qualify For

You may be eligible for additional benefits to assist you and your family in preparing to return to school. To find out which ones, use the Benefit Finder tool quiz to determine your eligibility for over 1,200 benefit programs. There is information to help you manage the new school year, no matter how you prepare for the upcoming school year.