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

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

🔥 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

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

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.orgConnect with Dr. Aginah Musherah: https://www.aginahmuhammad.comLITE It Up is available on all streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Spotify.

In this solo episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah kicks off National Scholarship Month with an inspirational and practical conversation designed especially for parents, students, and anyone committed to expanding educational access.

With three students currently enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, Dr. Aginah Musherah knows firsthand that scholarships are not simply awards — they are strategy, discipline, organization, and mindset. Scholarships aren’t accidental; they are intentional. In her home, they are part of the plan — not a last-minute hope.

Drawing from personal experience as a parent and her professional background in higher education leadership, Dr. Aginah shares simple, actionable steps families can take today to begin the scholarship journey with confidence and purpose. She sheds light on the realities of applying for scholarships — the rejections, the persistence, and the systems needed to stay committed — while reminding listeners that debt-free degrees are possible with preparation and support.

Whether you're raising a future college student, currently navigating the college process, or mentoring a young scholar, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and a roadmap to begin building a scholarship-focused mindset rooted in access, financial responsibility, and generational uplift.

✨ This Month on LITE It Up

This episode launches a month-long series celebrating National Scholarship Month, dedicated to empowering families with information, tools, and inspiration to make college more affordable and accessible.

Here are scholarship providers you should access to begin the process:

Scholarship America: https://scholarshipamerica.org

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): https://tmcf.org/scholarships/

United Negro College Fund (UNCF): https://uncf.org/scholarships

Stay tuned all month for tips, resources, and insights to support debt-free college journeys.

🎧 Connect & Continue the Journey

If this episode motivated you, helped you reframe the scholarship process, or gave you tools to begin, share it with a parent, student, educator, or mentor who needs it.

Let’s support the next generation as they dream, plan, and pursue excellence — without lifelong debt.

✅ Subscribe & leave a review

✅ Follow @LITEItUpPodcast

✅ Share the episode & tag us

Together, we light the path toward possibility, preparation, and debt-free degrees.

Visit Dr. Aginah Musherah's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

In this powerful episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah sits down with Dr. Royond Patrick Hendrix, also known as Dr. Ro, to explore what it truly means for women to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose. This honest and uplifting conversation dives into the realities of leadership—beyond titles and positions—and into the emotional, spiritual, and strategic work required to walk boldly in purpose. Whether you are currently in leadership or preparing for your next level, this episode offers transformational insight and empowering truth you can apply immediately.💡 Key Topics DiscussedOwning your purpose and calling as a leaderLeading with resilience after personal and professional adversityFinding alignment between faith, purpose, and leadershipBuilding influence through authenticity and serviceThe power of mentorship and women supporting womenCourage, healing, and emotional well-being in leadershipWhy purpose must come before positionHow to prepare for your next level of impactDr. Royond Patrick Hendrix, known as Dr. Ro, is a transformational leader, speaker, and founder of DREAM (Dr. Ro Empowering All Minds) Education, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development, youth empowerment, and special education advocacy. With over 28 years of service in education, she is committed to helping leaders rise in purpose and impact. A passionate educator and author of The Testimony: A Pinnacle of Darkness and Light, Dr. Ro uses her journey of resilience to empower others to lead authentically and courageously. She currently serves in the College of Education at Prairie View A&M University and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.“Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you become in the process.”If this episode inspired you, share it with a woman who leads with purpose—or is ready to. Subscribe to LITE It Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube and also visit Dr. Aginah Musherah's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com. Stay connected and be the first to know when new episodes drop!

In this solo episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah Muhammad reflects on her fifth consecutive year attending North Carolina A&T State University’s Greatest Homecoming on Earth (GHOE) — a weekend overflowing with pride, purpose, and full-circle moments.Now a seasoned Aggie Mom, Dr. Aginah Musherah shares what it feels like to experience this celebrated tradition as both a parent and a participant. With her twins entering senior year and her youngest beginning her college journey, she reflects on watching her children thrive — each of them prioritizing academics before celebration — and the lessons that come from balancing pride with purpose and presence with independence.From tailgates and step shows to midterm prep and mentoring new parents, this episode beautifully captures the full-circle joy of being part of the Aggie family. Dr. Aginah also reflects on how her role has evolved — from newcomer to trusted resource — as she continues to build community among fellow Aggie parents and alumni across Chicago and beyond.This heartfelt story is one of legacy, belonging, and the power of showing up — a reminder that being present for our children and their dreams is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

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Website: ⁠www.aginahmuhammad.com