Worth noting, March 27, 2024

Just ahead of the 2024 program start, My Front Door will open the doors to the community and those thinking of applying for the program.

“We are excited for Laramie families to see what is possible and tour our model home and construction site,’’ said Brenda Birkle, My Front Door executive director, in a news release. “We have had 55 families come through the program to become first-time homeowners. Each one thought it was impossible.’’

My Front Door’s mission is to help low- and moderate-income working families who want to better their lives and the lives of their children by becoming first-time, self-sustaining homeowners.

Clients receive financial literacy instruction in a group setting where materials, meals, and childcare are provided. This is followed by one-on-one counseling as participants work to repair credit, resolve debt, and create a plan to put them in a home. The organization provides home maintenance grants for clients after they buy a home to maintain or improve its value. Participants are guided every step of the way to homeownership and for five years after purchase.

Albany County classes in 2024 are limited to 10 families and are filling fast. Interested families should contact the office for a tour and to receive an application.

To learn more about My Front Door or to apply, visit online at myfrontdoor.org or contact Amy Phillips at 307-514-5831 or amy@myfrontdoor.org.

UW extends enrollment confirmation deadline to June 1

The University of Wyoming has received nearly 6,000 first-year student applications for the coming fall semester and admitted 5,500 of those applicants, the largest numbers in five years.

To help those prospective students make informed decisions amid the delayed rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the U.S. Department of Education, UW is extending its enrollment confirmation date from May 1 to June 1.

“Financial considerations are paramount in any college decision, and this enrollment confirmation extension will assure that prospective students and their families have complete information about their financial opportunities at UW,” Kyle Moore, the university’s vice provost for enrollment management, said in a news release. “We are very encouraged by the number of students who have started the process to attend Wyoming’s university this fall, and our scholarships and financial aid office is working hard to complete financial packages in light of the FAFSA delay so that we can welcome a new class of Cowboys and Cowgirls.”

In addition to extending the enrollment confirmation deadline to June 1, UW is moving the housing deposit deadline for new first-year students from May 1 to June 1.

As of March 15, UW’s 5,988 first-time student applicant number was up 7.3% from the same time last year, and the number of admitted students was 5,500, up 8.7%. Both figures are the highest since 2020, according to the release.

Units of the university are now working with the admitted students to complete their financial packages and confirm their enrollment.

Office of Tourism director appointed to U.S. Travel Association executive board

CHEYENNE — Last Thursday, the U.S. Travel Association announced the appointment of two new members to its executive board, including Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

“I am honored to represent the Cowboy State on the U.S. Travel Association Executive Board,” Shober said in a news release. “This appointment underscores Wyoming’s significance in the travel industry, and for all western states and rural communicates. I look forward to working alongside other travel leaders to advance the association’s strategic priorities, drive travel growth and a stronger, competitive industry.”

The U.S. Travel Association is the national nonprofit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to the nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.

From Laramie Boomerang and Wyoming Tribune Eagle