Parent Organizations
PTOs
PTAs
Parent associations
Education Leads to Informed Decisions
One of the biggest challenges families face during the college planning process is simply knowing where to find reliable information.
There is no shortage of opinions.
Unfortunately, there is often a shortage of clarity.
College Funding Advocates workshops are designed to help parents and students better understand college admissions, college funding, financial aid, recruiting, and the decisions that shape a family's future.
The goal is simple: Provide practical information families can use immediately.
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Why Attend a CFA Workshop?
Families frequently tell us:
“I wish someone had explained this sooner.”
“Nobody ever told us that.”
“I had no idea colleges worked that way.”
“This changes how we're thinking about the process.”
Our workshops are designed to answer the questions families don't know they should be asking.
Questions such as:
What is merit aid?
How do colleges really evaluate applicants?
What does a college actually cost?
What is scholarship displacement?
Is the published “sticker price” what families actually pay?
When is it too late to improve a college funding strategy?
Because informed families make better decisions.
Workshop #1
The College Funding Blueprint
Understanding How Colleges Really Work
This flagship workshop helps families better understand:
How colleges determine costs
Merit aid versus need-based aid
The FAFSA and CSS Profile
How financial aid works
Common planning mistakes
College affordability strategies
Award letter interpretation
Questions every family should ask
Who Should Attend?
Parents of high school students in grades 9–12.
Key Takeaway: Understanding college funding before applications are submitted can significantly improve a family's ability to make informed decisions.
Workshop #2
How Colleges Really Make Admissions Decisions
Many families believe admissions decisions are based entirely on grades and test scores.
The reality is far more complex.
This workshop explores:
Academic evaluation
Course rigor
Institutional priorities
Demonstrated interest
Extracurricular activities
Student positioning
Admissions misconceptions
Building a thoughtful college list
Key Takeaway: College admissions is not about finding a perfect student. It's about finding the right fit between student and college or university.
Workshop #3
The Truth About Scholarships, Financial Aid & Merit Money
Perhaps no area of college planning generates more confusion than scholarships and financial aid.
This workshop addresses:
Scholarship myths
Merit aid opportunities
Need-based aid opportunities
Common misconceptions
Award letter analysis
Understanding “sticker price”
Understanding what families may actually pay
Key Takeaway: The published price is not always the price a family ultimately pays.
Student-Athlete Presentation
Recruiting Realities: What Families Need to Know
Designed specifically for student-athletes and their families.
Topics include:
The recruiting timeline
Coach communication
Showcases and camps
Admissions considerations
Athletic fit
Academic fit
Financial fit
Common recruiting mistakes
Key Takeaway: The goal is not simply getting recruited. The goal is finding the right fit.
What Makes These Workshops Different?
Rick's background includes:
U.S. Naval Intelligence
Foxboro Stadium
Boston & Chicago Commercial Real Estate
NCAA Coaching
NCAA Athletic Administration
Founder of 21 Lacrosse / Black Jacks
Certified College Funding Specialist
But the important point isn't the résumé.
The workshops are not theory.
They are built upon decades of real-world experience helping students, families, organizations, and colleges and universities make informed decisions.
Available Formats
Schools
Public schools
Private schools
Charter schools
Athletic Organizations
Club programs
Booster clubs
Youth organizations
Recruiting organizations
Community Organizations
Libraries
Community groups
Nonprofits
Faith-based organizations
Resources to Continue the Conversation
Depending on the program, participants may receive selected educational resources designed to reinforce key workshop topics and help families continue the conversation at home.
The goal isn't to overwhelm families with information. It's to help them better understand the questions worth asking and the decisions in front of them.
Interested in Hosting a Workshop?
Whether you're a school administrator, parent group leader, coach, booster club representative, or community organization, we'd be happy to discuss a program tailored to your audience.
Education leads to informed decisions.
And informed decisions can change a family's future.
Request a Workshop