USA Funds Update

 U.S. Dream Academy Opens Doors of USA Funds-Supported Learning Center in Indiana
The 10th U.S. Dream Academy Learning Center opened its doors Feb. 25 at John Marshall Middle School in Indianapolis. USA Funds^® awarded a $100,000 grant to support the opening of the new center. Learn more.

USA Funds Issues New Edition of ‘USA Funds Education Partnerships’
A new issue of “USA Funds Education Partnerships” is available. The quarterly newsletter highlights USA Funds’ support of programs that enhance preparation for, access to and success in higher education. This edition focuses on USA Funds’ efforts to promote success for California community college students, a USA Funds employee’s longtime service to College Goal Sunday, and the need for developmental education in California’s community colleges. Download a copy of the newsletter using Adobe Reader.

Online Resource Prepares Student for Change in College Plans
Ruth Kirklin, a graduate of Edgewood High School in Merritt Island, Fla., received advice that shaped her college plans from an online resource that USA Funds is helping to integrate in the high school counseling process. As a result, the student and her family had a backup plan when she was not accepted to the postsecondary program that was her first choice. Learn more.

USA Funds Staff Profile: Helping to Improve Student Loan Processes
Scott Lauth’s work as a compliance specialist for USA Funds helps the staff of school financial aid offices and lending institutions perform their jobs better — which also benefits students, families and U.S. taxpayers. Read more.

Operations Bulletin

Stafford MPN Expiration Date Extended
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has extended the expiration date for the current Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note to May 31, 2008, from the original expiration date of Feb. 29, 2008. The current form remains valid until the OMB approves the new form. You can link to the OMB’s approval of the extension through the office’s Web site.

February 2008 Integrated Common Manual Available
The February 2008 Integrated Common Manual is available on the USA Funds Web site. View and print the Integrated Common Manual, including a summary of changes approved Feb. 21 by the Common Manual Governing Board.

AmeriCorps Encourages Use of Online Payment System
AmeriCorps has issued a reminder encouraging AmeriCorps users to take advantage of its online payment system for participating schools and loan holders. Users can take advantage of quicker payment postings as well as notices about current status of the system, planned outages and records of downtimes.