PHEAA Podcast

Higher Education Access Corner Affordable Access to Higher Education

Higher Education Access Corner provides candid conversations around higher education access and affordability. Tune in to hear a variety of engaging discussions with industry professionals, as well as how PHEAA helps create affordable access to higher education.

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Episodes

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

#20 — May 17, 2023 — 34 Minutes

Tiffanie sits down with secondary school counselor, Steve Sharp, to shine a light on mental health issues among students. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, so tune in to learn the facts, myths, and resources to help understand mental health. (Disclaimer)

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NATIONAL COLLEGE DECISION DAY

#19 — May 3, 2023 — 10 Minutes

Every year, students announce what school they'll attend on National College Decision Day. In this episode, Tiffanie shares a few reminders for students who celebrated College Decision Day this year and plan to start school during the 2023-24 academic year. (Disclaimer)

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PARENT PERSPECTIVE: COLLEGES AND CAREERS

#18 — April 19, 2023 — 41 Minutes

Is it really different when it’s your own kids? Ron Felder and Danielle Martin have spent countless hours providing expert advice to families about postsecondary preparation. Now, hear what they have to say from the other side—as parents helping their own children. (Disclaimer)

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A LOOK INSIDE PA CAREERLINK

#17 — April 15, 2023 — 47 Minutes

PA CareerLink offers a variety of services to PA residents of all ages and backgrounds. Tune in to learn more as Tiffanie sits down with PA CareerLink representatives Isaiah Smith and Jerrick Ventress. (Disclaimer)

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HOT TOPICS: TIPS FOR NAVIGATING A COLLEGE FAIR

#16 — March 22, 2023 — 28 Minutes

Tune in to our “Hot Topics” segment, where PHEAA Higher Education Access Partners Diona Brown and Tiffanie DeVan discuss a variety of topics regarding affordable access to college, trade school, and postsecondary options. (Disclaimer)

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INSIDE THE PA BLACK CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION (PBOCHE)

#15 — March 8, 2023 — 18 Minutes

Tiffanie sits down with Danielle Martin—the Central Region Director of PBCOHE—and Ron Felder, executive board member and co-director of the Emergent Leadership Program for PBOCHE. Ron is also a fellow PHEAA Access Partner. Danielle and Ron will explain the history of this conference and tell us what students and attendees can expect this year. (Disclaimer)

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HOT TOPICS: FINANCIAL AID AWARENESS MONTH

#14 — February 22, 2023 — 37 Minutes

Tune in to our “Hot Topics” segment, where PHEAA Higher Education Access Partners Diona Brown and Tiffanie DeVan discuss a variety of topics regarding affordable access to college, trade school, and postsecondary options. (Disclaimer)

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PHEAA’S PA FORWARD STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM

#13 — February 8, 2023 — 43 Minutes

Tiffanie welcomes Dan Wray and Linda Pacewicz to share details about PHEAA’s PA Forward Student Loan Program. This program offers a competitive private loan option to help students who still have a funding gap after exhausting all other opportunities for financial aid. (Disclaimer)

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Celebrating 2023 Data Privacy Day

#12 — January 25, 2023 — 43 Minutes

Join Tiffanie DeVan as she talks data privacy in higher education with PHEAA's Chief Privacy Officer, Jennie Thompson and Chris Mowl, Director of Financial Aid Services at Harrisburg University. Learn how data privacy intersects with the higher education experience, as well as some common scams targeting students and parents and how to avoid them. (Disclaimer)

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PA FAFSA® Go! Collaboration and Momentum Across Pennsylvania

#11 — January 18, 2023 — 54 Minutes

We are stronger together. The PA FAFSA® Go! Campaign is a great opportunity to break down silos and work collaboratively on college access. Industry-leading experts share their thoughts on task forces, grass-roots efforts, and meeting families where they are. Join Tiffanie as she moderates a panel of higher education access professionals, including Will Lindsey, PA School Services Manager at PHEAA; Karen Rubican, a School Counselor at Canon-McMillan High School who is also representing the Pennsylvania Association of College Admission Counseling (PACAC) and Pennsylvania School Counselors Association (PSCA); Alyssa Dobson, Financial Aid Director at Slippery Rock University representing the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (PASFAA); and Dr. Kim McCurdy, Bureau Director for Postsecondary and Adult Education at the PA Department of Education (PDE). (Disclaimer)

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A Retrospective: PHEAA Reflects on 2022

#10 — December 28, 2022 — 48 Minutes

PHEAA's President and CEO, Mr. Jim Steeley, joins Tiffanie to reflect on some the Agency's successes and highlights from 2022. The past year saw a lot of changes and challenges — both in higher education and the world at large. Tune in as we look back on 2022. (Disclaimer)

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Understanding Education Loans: What to Compare

#9 — November 30, 2022 — 43 Minutes

Student loans are confusing. You have lots of options, and we can help you understand what to look for, what fits your plans, and what is affordable. Choice is key: Learn more by joining today's discussion with Linda Pacewicz and Dan Wray, Account Executives for PHEAA's PA Forward Private Student Loan Program. (Disclaimer)

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PA Treasury's Education Savings Account Overview

#8 — November 16, 2022 — 12 Minutes

Hear from PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity who will discuss the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and Keystone Scholars program. PA 529 offers two tax-advantaged accounts to help families save and pay for some future education expenses. Keystone Scholars is a $100 investment to jumpstart education savings available to every PA newborn since 2019. Treasurer Garrity will talk about how her office promotes PA 529 and Keystone Scholars to families across the state and helps build a brighter financial future for Pennsylvanians. (Disclaimer)

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Hot Topics: Searching for Scholarships

#7 — November 3, 2022 — 20 Minutes

We're sharing tips on how to search and apply for scholarships! Higher ed costs can add up fast for students and families. Thankfully, there's funding to help cover some of it. Tune in with Diona and Tiffanie to learn how to increase your chances of earning free money for school. (Disclaimer)

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Hot Topics: FAFSA Simplification and PSLF Program

#6 — October 26, 2022 — 20 Minutes

Tune in to our "Hot Topics" segment, where PHEAA Higher Education Access Partners Diona Brown and Tiffanie DeVan discuss a variety of topics regarding affordable access to college, trade school, and post-secondary options. (Disclaimer)

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Pennsylvania's Master Plan for Higher Education Part two of two

#5 — October 19, 2022 — 29 Minutes

Discuss the five strategic priorities that make up Pennsylvania's Master Plan for Higher Education, a new initiative approved by the State Board of Education in September 2022. This podcast features: Dr. Tanya I. Garcia, Deputy Secretary and Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education at PA Department of Education (PDE); Dr. Kim McCurdy, Bureau Director for Postsecondary and Adult Education at PDE; and host Tiffanie DeVan. Join us for the second installment of our enlightening collaboration between PHEAA and PDE! (Disclaimer)

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College Access, Affordability, and Success: Advice for Today's Pennsylvania Learners Part one of two

#4 — October 12, 2022 — 40 Minutes

Get to know contemporary, postsecondary learners in Pennsylvania! This is essential for guiding students, helping them succeed, and finding solutions that benefit everyone. Join college access professionals with 20+ years' experience: host Tiffanie DeVan, and Dr. Kim McCurdy, Bureau Director for Postsecondary and Adult Education at PA Department of Education, explore these need-to-know topics. (Disclaimer)

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Covering Costs Without Breaking the Bank Part three of three

#3 — October 6, 2022 — 17 Minutes

Choosing the right major and school is a big decision for students and families. Tune in to part three of our three-part series, where higher education expert Tiffanie DeVan shares tips and explains how to make smart choices for college. (Disclaimer)

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Find the Right Fit: Apply & Decide on a School Part two of three

#2 — October 5, 2022 — 13 Minutes

You want to go to college but aren't sure where to start or even which schools can meet your needs. In part two of our three-part series, Tiffanie explains the steps to apply and things to consider when choosing a school. (Disclaimer)

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Explore Your Options Part one of three

#1 — September 27, 2022 — 17 Minutes

Choosing the right major and school is a big decision for students and families. Tune in to part one of our three-part series, where higher education expert Tiffanie DeVan shares tips and explains how to make smart choices for college. (Disclaimer)

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