LITE It Up

Ep. 175 |🎙️FAFSA Made Simple: Your Next Step After the Scholarship Mindset Series

Now that you’ve learned how to approach scholarships with strategy and confidence, it’s time to take the next essential step in paying for college: completing the FAFSA.In this 15-minute solo episode, Dr. Aginah Musherah breaks down the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in simple, practical terms—so students and families feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.You’ll learn:✨ What the FAFSA really determines (and why “FAFSA doesn’t give you anything” is a common myth)✨ What you need to gather before you begin✨ Which tax year is required for the 2026–27 FAFSA (hint: 2024 tax returns!)✨ The biggest mistakes families make and how to avoid them✨ How FAFSA and scholarships work together to build a strong financial aid plan✨ Why every college student must complete FAFSA every yearWhether you're filing FAFSA for the first time or helping a returning student stay organized, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to move forward with confidence.🎧 Tune in to “FAFSA Made Simple: Your Next Step After the Scholarship Mindset Series”New episodes of the LITE It Up Podcast are available on YouTube and all streaming platforms.Visit Dr. Aginah's website: https://www.aginahmuhammad.com

Ep. 174 |🎙️The Million Dollar Scholar: Aaron Williams’ Journey to College Success

In the final installation of the Scholarship Mindset Series for National Scholarship Awareness Month, Dr. Aginah Muhammad sits down with Aaron Williams, a first-year Computer Engineering student at Northern Illinois University—who earned an extraordinary $2 million+ in scholarship offers.Aaron’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion, preparation, and persistence come together. In this inspiring conversation, he shares how he approached the scholarship process, the strategies that helped him stand out, and what motivated him to keep applying even when the process felt overwhelming. His story is a motivating roadmap for students aiming to finance their college education with confidence and intention.Throughout his academic journey, Aaron has remained both intellectually driven and community-minded. As an IB and dual enrollment student, he completed rigorous coursework that prepared him for the demands of engineering. One of his greatest honors has been being named valedictorian twice—first in elementary school and again in high school. These distinctions reflect years of discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus.His accomplishments include:• Valedictorian in both elementary school and high school• Admitted to more than 50 colleges• Awarded nearly $2 million in scholarship offers• Active engagement in STEM, leadership, and serviceAaron’s story reminds students everywhere that scholarships are within reach—and that consistency, belief, and strategy can create life-changing opportunities.🎧 Tune in to this inspiring finale of the Scholarship Mindset Series, and hear firsthand what it takes to navigate the scholarship journey with purpose and resilience.🔔 New episodes of the LITE It Up Podcast stream every Tuesday on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!Visit Dr. Aginah Muhammad's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com [https://www.aginahmuhammad.com]

Ep. 173 |🎙️ Scholarship Strategy Unlocked: Needs-Based Truths & Year-Round Success for Every Student

🔥 This week on the LITE It Up Podcast, we’re unlocking the strategy behind scholarship success.Join Dr. Aginah Musherah as she sits down with Educator, Attorney, and Scholarship Advocate, Kishasha Williams-Ford, Esq., who has helped hundreds of students and families navigate the scholarship process with clarity and confidence.In this episode, Kishasha breaks down what needs-based scholarships really mean, the myths that hold families back, and why students should be applying for scholarships every single year—whether they’re in high school, college, or graduate school. She also shares smart organizational strategies to help students stay ready and competitive.If you’re just joining the Scholarship Mindset Series, make sure you go back and watch the previous episodes to get caught up—they all build on each other!🎧 Tune in to Scholarship Strategy Unlocked: Needs-Based Truths & Year-Round Success for Every Student, streaming on YouTube and all podcast platforms.Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share!Visit Dr. Aginah Musherah's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com [https://www.aginahmuhammad.com]

Ep. 172 | 🎙️The Scholarship Mindset: Insider Guidance From a Post-Secondary Counselor

Welcome back to the Scholarship Mindset series on the LITE It Up Podcast! In this week’s episode, we sit down with Kevin Coy, Post-Secondary Counselor at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, to break down what students and families really need to know about the scholarship and college admissions process.With 25+ years of experience in counseling, admissions, and college planning, Kevin shares insider strategies that help students stay organized, build stronger applications, and work more effectively with their school counselors. Whether you're a parent, high school student, educator, or community advocate, this episode offers clear steps to help you navigate scholarships with confidence.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to work with your school or post-secondary counselor during the scholarship processThe best ways for students to stay organized from freshman to senior yearPractical tips to strengthen scholarship and college applicationsHow counselors view essays, activities, and student readinessCommon mistakes families make (and how to avoid them)Action steps students can take TODAY to increase scholarship opportunities🎓 About the Scholarship Mindset SeriesNovember is Scholarship Awareness Month, and all month long we’re sharing real-world strategies, expert insights, and powerful stories to help families reduce college costs and build a strong scholarship plan. If you missed the first episodes—our series kickoff and the conversation with Nicole Brookens of PLAN4Success—be sure to go back and watch so you don’t miss any tools or tips.🔥 Stay Connected👉🏾 If you found this episode helpful, LIKE this video.👉🏾 SHARE it with a student, parent, or educator who needs this information.👉🏾 SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday at 7:00 AM.Let’s continue building the Scholarship Mindset—and LITE It Up! 🔥Visit the website: www.aginahmuhammad.com [https://www.aginahmuhammad.com]

Ep.171|🎙️The Scholarship Mindset: Real Tips to Unlock Scholarship Success Now

In this episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah sits down with Nicole Brookens, Executive Director of PLAN4Success, for a powerful and practical conversation designed to help families take immediate action in the scholarship application process.Nicole breaks down the essential strategies every family needs—from organizing critical documents and building a competitive student profile to tracking deadlines and writing compelling essays. Together, they share real, actionable tips that students and parents can use right now to approach scholarships with clarity, confidence, and purpose.If you’re supporting a student through the college-going process—or if you’re a student who wants to secure scholarships—this episode will help you shift your mindset, get organized, and unlock scholarship success.Connect with PLAN4Success: https://www.plan-4success.org [https://www.plan-4success.org]Connect with Dr. Aginah Musherah: https://www.aginahmuhammad.com [https://www.aginahmuhammad.com]LITE It Up is available on all streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Spotify.