Pull into the garage and get equipped!

This immersive Boot Camp is designed for new and emerging financial aid professionals who want practical tools, clear processes, and the confidence to serve students well. Using a classic-garage approach, we’ll hand you the essentials and then show you how to use them on the job!

2026 SWASFAA/NMASFAA Boot Camp

November 2-4, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque


What is the Route 66 Garage Boot Camp?

A hands-on, interactive training that builds your financial aid toolkit from the ground up. You’ll leave with foundational knowledge, real-world workflows, and connections that last beyond the conference.

Topics in the Toolkit:

✅ Federal Financial Aid Basics including Student Eligibility, COA/Packaging, and Verification
✅ Understanding Today's College Student
✅ Managing Difficult Conversations
✅ Avoiding the Breakdown: Surviving Peak Season
✅ Students in Crisis 
✅ Navigating Information, Misinformation, and Student Perception

✅ How the Aid Machine Works

Who Should Attend?

New professionals (less than 2 years), staff seeking a refresher, and those transitioning into financial aid roles.

Why it matters:

Financial aid work moves fast. The Garage gives you the core skills, mentoring, and practical workflows so you can start strong and stay effective; exactly what the road ahead requires.

Ready to gear up? Register today! 

Early Bird Registration: $300

Early Bird + Fall Conference Bundle: $625


For questions, contact Sierra Stubbs (Sierra.Stubbs@enmu.edu) or Dr. Amy Cable (amycable@lctcs.edu)

AGENDA

November 2–4, 2026 · Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque

Monday · November 2
1:00–1:30 PM
Welcome — Start Your Engines: The Road to Financial Aid Success
Sierra
1:30–2:30 PM
The Student Dashboard: What’s Driving Their Journey?
Alex
2:30–2:45 PM
Break
2:45–3:45 PM
Under the Hood: How the Aid Machine Works
Alex (Mohela)
3:45–4:30 PM
Roadworthy or Not? Determining Student Eligibility
Sierra
Tuesday · November 3
8:00–8:15 AM
Pit Stop: 3-2-1 Reflection
Alex / Sierra
8:15–9:15 AM
When the Engine Runs Hot: Managing Difficult Conversations
Alex
9:15–9:30 AM
Break
9:30–10:30 AM
Building the Right Ride: COA, Need & Packaging
Sierra
10:30–11:15 AM
Avoiding the Breakdown: Surviving Peak Season
Kim
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Lunch: Polynesian Glazed Chicken Breast Plate
12:15–1:15 PM
Emergency Service: Helping Students Find Their Way
Alex
1:15–2:30 PM
Check Engine Light: Diagnosing Verification & C-Codes
Ben
2:30–2:45 PM
Break
2:45–3:45 PM
Check the Road Signs: Navigating Information, Misinformation, and Student Perception
Alex (Mohela)
3:45–4:30 PM
Test Drive: Can You Solve the Case?
Alex / Sierra
5:15 PM
After the Garage: An Evening on the Road
Wednesday · November 4
8:00–8:15 AM
Pit Stop: 3-2-1 Reflection
Alex / Sierra
8:15–9:00 AM
The Shop Manual: Your NASFAA Toolkit
Natalie Wong
9:15–10:00 AM
Taking the Wheel: Navigating Your Financial Aid Career
Audra
10:00–10:15 AM
Break
10:15–11:15 AM
Final Inspection: Are You Road Ready?
Alex / Sierra
11:15–11:30 AM
Out of the Garage and Onto the Road
Alex / Sierra

Join Us!


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