USA Funds Update

USA Funds to Accept Scholarship Applications Beginning Dec. 15
USA Funds^® will accept applications online beginning Dec. 15 for $1,500 scholarships to students through the USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships^® program. These scholarships will help low- and moderate-income students pay college expenses during the 2010-2011 academic year. Learn more  about the program.

Mississippi Student Pursuing Dream Career With Help of USA Funds Scholarship
Memories of the assistance she received in overcoming a childhood speech impediment led Mallory Dickard to dream of her own career in speech pathology. A $1,500 scholarship from USA Funds is helping her receive the education she needs to pursue that dream. Read more.

Operations Bulletin

Department Reminds Eligible Lender Trustees of Oversight Responsibilities
The U.S. Department of Education issued a reminder to lenders that are serving as eligible lender trustees. In Dear Colleague Letter FP-09-07, the Department notes that those lenders must evaluate the loan program capabilities of the entities they serve as trustee lenders, and ensure that those entities are in compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. The letter also outlines expectations for documented policies and procedures regarding eligible lender trustee agreements.

September 2009 Integrated Common Manual Available
The September 2009 Integrated Common Manual is available on the USA Funds Web site. View and print the Integrated Common Manual, including the summary of changes approved Sept. 17, 2009, by the Common Manual Governing Board. You will need Adobe Reader to access the documents.

Managing Campus-Based Programs Is Topic of New FSA Handbook Volume
The Department of Education announced the release of Volume 6 of the 2009-2010 Federal Student Aid Handbook. The chapters in the new volume focus on managing campus-based aid. View the complete list of FSA Handbook volumes that the Department has released so far.