Hernandez Invites Local Families to College Financial Aid Events

CICERO, Ill. – With the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application officially opening on Tuesday, Oct. 1, state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is hosting a Financial Aid Seminar and Workshop event for local students and their families.

“The financial aid process can be quite difficult for anyone struggling to plan how they’re going to pay for college,” Hernandez said. “We made great progress this year to expand access to grants and scholarships that make college more affordable for working families, so it’s my hope that this seminar will ease some of the stress families may be facing and prepare them to navigate the financial aid process.” 

Hernandez is working with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to host the events on the following dates and at the following locations:

• Financial Aid Seminar on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7-9 p.m. at the Cicero Community Center’s gym, located at 2250 S 49th Ave. in Cicero. At this event, ISAC will go over the basics of the financial aid process, scholarships, grants and changes in the law that will impact immigrant students.
• Financial Aid Workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 5-9 p.m. at the Cicero Community Center’s computer room. Located at 2250 S 49th Ave. in Cicero. At this event, ISAC will be on hand to help families and students actually fill-out their FAFSA applications. Families are encouraged to bring a copy of their 2018 tax documents to this workshop in order to complete the application.

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible starting on Oct. 1 given that awards are made until funds are depleted. Information will also be provided in Spanish.

“Whether you’re planning on pursing a bachelor’s degree or vocational training, it is important that you apply for all of the resources available as soon as possible,” Hernandez added. “I encourage local families to come to this helpful seminar and have their questions answered.”