Financial Aid Demand High

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M.C. Williams, Center for Economic Progress Financial Coach, discusses further financial aid resources at individual institutions with a mother and son attending the Center for Economic Progress Financial Aid U.
M.C. Williams, Center for Economic Progress Financial Coach, discusses further financial aid resources at individual institutions with a mother and son attending the Center for Economic Progress Financial Aid U.

Community Colleges Offer Options

By Shanita Bigelow

Illinois budgetary woes, stagnant incomes, unemployment and the increasing costs of college could put a higher education just out of reach for those looking to continue their education.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), necessary to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid, has a deadline of June 30, but states have their own deadlines. Illinois suggests that students complete the FAFSA as quickly after it is available on January 1, as state funds are allotted on a first come, first served basis.

More than 180,000 Illinois students filed for financial aid in January and February, a 21 percent increase from the little more than 150,000 students who applied during the same period last year, according to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

The Center for Economic Progress Financial Aid U, a nationwide endeavor designed to help low-income families with the financial aid process, is determined to shorten that reach, despite increasing demand for state scholarships and grants.

Fredericka Dejean, a senior at the School of the Arts at South Shore, isnt worried, shes hopeful and open to attending any of the schools on her list, she indicated at Saturdays session held at the AKAram Foundation Community Service Center. Having applied to five schools, including Columbia College, before completing her FAFSA Saturday, Dejean isnt done yet. She will apply to two more: Lincoln and Joliet, community colleges.

Spring 2010 saw record levels of enrollment at Illinois community colleges, according to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

The demand we are seeing are from those who need to enhance their skillsand from traditional students who are finding accessibility and affordability make community colleges an attractive option, Geoffrey Obrzut, president and chief executive officer of the ICCB, said in a press release.

Financial Aid U, sponsored by Citi Group, offers parents and students free assistance with tax preparation, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all that follows, which includes comparing financial aid award letters and searching for other sources of financial assistance.

Dejean was joined by her mother, grandmother and a friend (also completing the FAFSA), all supporting her goal to become a teacher. She hopes to earn a degree in special education and work specifically with deaf and hard of hearing kids. Her grandmother brought them down on her day off because[she] know[s] how vital it is for these kids to finish school.

With five brothers and sisters, Dejean will be the first to attend college, the first oneto set the mark, according to her grandmother.

Filling out the FAFSA and college applications is just the beginning, according to Erika Schafer, Center for Economic Progress, Director of Financial Services.

Researching and budgeting are what follows. M.C. Williams, a financial coach for the Center for Economic Progress, believes searching for further funding is vital for making college a reality. As Williams spoke with a mother and son whod already completed the FAFSA prior to Saturdays event, he stressed the importance of visiting schools websites and/or calling their financial aid offices to find out more about internal scholarships.

Everythings completed, she (the mother) said, adding that her biggest concern was making sure everything is covered, including tuition, fees, and books. Her son, interested in business, has applied to two community colleges.

FAFSA catches all [federal and state funds], said Williams, who normally does programs in high schools. Its tough[but] its a relief when we get to that final page.

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