USA Funds Update

USA Funds-Sponsored Research Examines Corporate Support for College Readiness Programs
Research conducted with financial support from USA Funds^® finds that more than two-thirds of the nation’s largest corporations invest in college readiness programs as part of their philanthropic activities. Read more.

USA Funds Lists Top 100 Lenders
USA Funds lists the top 100 lenders of USA Funds-guaranteed loans through June 2008. Read the list.

USA Funds Summer Webcast Series Covers Fundamentals of Financial Aid
USA Funds University offers a series of webcast training sessions designed to provide new financial aid administrators, as well as experienced financial aid professionals, a basic understanding of the fundamentals of student financial aid. Scheduled through Aug. 28, the series includes webcasts on a variety of topics that are conducted by trainers who are former financial aid administrators. Topics slated in the coming days include Return of Title IV Funds, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, federal verification, cash management regulations, Internal Revenue Service tax filing requirements, and professional judgment. Register for a webcast that is convenient for you.

Debt-Management Perspectives

Financial Literacy Tips: Protecting and Correcting Financial Identity
USA Funds’ online course “Identity Theft” offers tips to help you and your students avoid identity theft — and steps to take if you become a victim. Read more.

Tech Talk

 Mapping Your Future Introduces TEACH Grant Counseling
Mapping Your Future now offers counseling for students regarding the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant. Federal regulations require TEACH Grant applicants to complete a counseling session prior to each grant disbursement, as well as counseling prior to receiving any additional TEACH Grants. Mapping Your Future is a national collaborative, public service, nonprofit organization providing career, college, financial aid and financial literacy services for students, families and schools. USA Funds is a supporter of Mapping Your Future.

Operations Bulletin

Department Offers Additional Webcasts on FFELP Liquidity Plan
The U.S. Department of Education will host two webcasts this week to explain to education lenders how they can participate in the department's loan purchase and participation programs. This afternoon's webcast will cover the Master Participation Agreement, and Thursday's webcast will focus on the Master Sales Agreement. Advance registration is required. Read additional information.

Electronic Return of Title IV Funds Process Available July 27
The U.S. Department of Education announced that an updated version of its R2T4 on the Web site will be available July 27, two months earlier than it previously had reported. Learn more.