Coffee with KHEAA

This week on Coffee with KHEAA, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what KHEAA Outreach does during the summer months. While schools may be out, our Outreach Counselors are still hard at work helping students, families, and communities across Kentucky. From library story times and summer camps to college orientations and FAFSA assistance, we discuss how our team stays connected and contin...

In this episode of Coffee with KHEAA, Cassi Benedict and Brandi Forker discuss one of the biggest FAFSA stories of the year and how Kentucky counselors helped identify widespread FAFSA fraud. They explain how the issue was first discovered, what students and families experienced, and how new fraud detection tools are now helping prevent fraudulent FAFSA filings and financial aid disbursements. The...

In this special live episode of Coffee with KHEAA, Cassi and Brandi take the podcast on the road to the American College Application Campaign Convening in Detroit, Michigan. Joined by Lisa Summer King from the American College Application Campaign and Ashley Johnson from the Kresge Foundation, the team dives into the creation and impact of College Match Day, an initiative helping high school junio...

Broadcasting live (and a little chaotic) from the Kentucky ACAC 2026 Conference in Lexington, this episode of Coffee with KHEAA brings the energy, laughs, and real talk. From hilarious conference memories and behind-the-scenes moments to meaningful conversations about college access, partnerships, and what’s ahead for students, the team is joined by special guests Nate Cox and Charity Ferguson to...

Subscribe to stay up to date with college planning advice, financial aid tips, and KHEAA news. Learn more at kheaa.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KHEAA   https://www.facebook.com/AdvantageEducationLoans   https://www.facebook.com/ARCServicing Instagram https://instagram.com/mykheaa https://instagram.com/kheaaoutreach LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kheaa https://www.l...

This episode of Coffee with KHEAA was recorded as a special virtual episode featuring Ellison Forker and discussed various educational and financial aid topics. The team shared personal stories about Christmas gifts, snow days, and Catherine O'Hara's passing, before diving into updates on student loan repayment, new loan limits for graduate students, and ongoing negotiations around workforce Pell...

Coffee With KHEAA is back with a festive new episode! ☕🎄 We’re welcoming our new Assistant Director, Brandi Forker, to the Coffee With KHEAA family and getting to know her a little better. Plus, we’re sharing what’s on our Christmas lists, catching up with Southern Kentucky Outreach Counselor MacKenzie Scroggy, and diving into important FAFSA updates and scholarship opportunities students and fa...

In this episode, Casi and Keith dive into some hot topics to keep you informed and prepared. They discuss important information about student loans, and some other hot topics in the finical aid world. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this episode is full of timely updates and helpful tips. Subscribe to stay up to date with college planning advice, financial aid tips, and KHEAA news....

In this special midsummer episode, Casi and Keith dive into some hot topics to keep you informed and prepared. They discuss important information about student loan repayment, how to spot and avoid student loan scams, what’s coming up at the Kentucky State Fair, and the exciting debut of the brand-new College Info Roadshow bus. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this quick episode is f...

In this episode of Coffee with KHEAA, we’re diving into key updates on federal grants that would have been awarded to KHEAA and what that means for our work moving forward. We also cover the latest updates from the U.S. Department of Education—presenting the facts without sharing personal opinions—so you can stay informed. Plus, we highlight upcoming scholarships and initiatives to help students m...

Welcome to Episode 21 of Coffee with KHEAA! In this episode, we sit down with Dawson Arnold, Central Kentucky Outreach Counselor, and Zach Smith to discuss New Year’s goals, FAFSA completion rates, KEES money, and even a fun round of pop culture myths or facts! Join us for this engaging and informative conversation to kick off the year right. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more c...

In this episode Keith is joined by Outreach Counselor Jessica Gray! Together they discuss the launch of the FAFSA, and what you will or will not see while filling it out!   Follow Us   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHEAA Instagram: https://instagram.com/mykheaa https://www.instagram.com/kheaaoutreach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kheaa X: https://twitter.com/KHEAA   Check out htt...

In this episode of Coffee With KHEAA, we’re breaking down key updates in the world of FAFSA, including our involvement as the only state agency participating in the 25-56 FAFSA Beta Testing. We discuss how colleges are already receiving Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) from the beta testing, and updates on students filing whose parents have no social security number. The FAFSA wil...

Join us for a special Halloween-themed episode of Coffee With KHEAA! This time, we’re talking about the 25-26 FAFSA and why there’s nothing to worry about. We'll break down the process, share tips for tackling it with confidence, and show you how easy it can be to get started. Grab your coffee and get ready to tackle your FAFSA questions—fear-free!   Follow Us   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/...

Join hosts Casi as they recap the highlights of a bustling summer filled with FAFSA bootcamps, tailgates, and innovative outreach initiatives! In this episode, they sit down with outreach counselor Connor Vogt to dive into the successes and challenges of the season. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, you’ll gain valuable insights into the FAFSA process and discover how KHEAA is making...

In this episode of Coffee with KHEAA, join Casi and Keith as they reflect on their first year as Director and Assistant Director of Outreach Services. They'll share insights on their experiences, discuss the highlights of their journey, and celebrate the incredible work of each KHEAA Outreach Counselor. Tune in for an inside look at how the Outreach team is making a difference across the state!  ...

Join us for a special live episode of Coffee With KHEAA, filmed during the KHEAA FAFSAthon at the KY Castle in Versailles, KY! In this episode, we dive into the excitement of the FAFSAthon event, where students and families are getting expert assistance with the 2024-25 FAFSA.   Follow Us   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHEAA Instagram: https://instagram.com/mykheaa https://www.instagram.com/...

In this abridged podcast, Casi and Keith talk about a typical summer in Outreach, closing the FAFSA completion gap thanks to federal funds to aid completions, FAFSA Training Boot Camps, Tail Gates, FAFSA Helpline Hours, and the FAFSA Fellows Program.   Follow Us   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHEAA Instagram: https://instagram.com/mykheaa https://www.instagram.com/kheaaoutreach LinkedIn: htt...

This week Casi and Keith, along with returning guest MacKenzie Massey, talk about the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) convening in Washington, D.C.. Casi and Keith also discuss KY Goes to College, new campaigns coming up, and a KHEAA FAFSA Bootcamp!     Follow Us   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHEAA Instagram: https://instagram.com/mykheaa https://www.instagram.com/kheaaoutreach...

This week we chat with Kim Dolan about the recent legislative changes, important info for parents without SSNs, and the NCAN’s #dothefafsa campaign. Kim shares her experiences as KHEAA’s VP of Government Relations, highlights from the legislative session, and what’s ahead. Plus, we dive into our biggest pet peeves during Coffee Talk. Tune in for valuable insights and updates for students, parents,...

Welcome to Episode 10 of Coffee with KHEAA! In this episode, we dive into the latest updates in the world of financial aid, student loans, and exciting initiatives in Kentucky. We discuss when students can expect to see aid notifications and unravel the intricacies of verification and about the transition from Mohela to Student Aid.gov for processing, potential processing pauses, and how to safegu...

In this episode, Casi and Keith Ritchie dive into the financial aid world with Michelle Standridge, Director of Financial Aid at Spalding University and President of KASFAA, the Kentucky Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators. Recorded on location at the KASFAA Spring Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, the trio shares their experiences and insights. They reflect on the essence of KAS...

Today's episode is a special treat as we're recording live from the Kentucky Association for College Admission Counselor Conference with a very special guest, the president of Kentucky ACAC, Stephanie Dickerson. Stephanie discusses KYACAC and the admission climate, including updates on FAFSA. Then, Keith and Casi discuss FAFSA updates and spring initiatives.   Follow Us   Facebook: https://www.fac...

In this episode of Coffee With KHEAA, we're diving into some important updates on the SAVE plan and FAFSA. First up, we're tackling the SAVE plan. What does the plan look like now, and what can we expect in July? Then, we'll unravel the mysteries surrounding the latest FAFSA shutdown. With over 5 million FAFSAs filed, it's crucial to understand the latest changes, including the introduction of tes...

In Episode 6, we're excited to welcome Brandon Brown and Brandi Forker to the show! In today's episode, we explore workarounds for mixed-status families, offering guidance on navigating the process without Social Security Numbers. We also unpack the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program: what it is, who qualifies, and how to sign up. We cover important deadlines and steps to get started o...