Yingling Helps Students, Families Navigate Financial Aid Process

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – Students and their families had the opportunity to learn more about the college financial aid process at the College Affordability and FAFSA Seminar, sponsored by state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, on Monday, Oct. 7. Yingling partnered with experts from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to help high school students and parents understand the basics of the financial aid process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, scholarships and grant information.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our best and brightest in Illinois,” Yingling said. “Just understanding the college financial aid process can prevent students from leaving for out-of-state universities.”

Yingling also welcomed a representative from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to talk about the Illinois Commitment Program, which provides scholarships and grants that cover tuition and campus fees for families whose household income is $61,000 or less.

This spring, Yingling worked to build a stronger Illinois for working families and young people by supporting a bipartisan, balanced budget that increases funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant, which makes college more affordable for middle and lower-income students.

“Not knowing what resources are available to help students is sometimes the biggest blockade from them accomplishing their goals,” said Yingling. “I will continue to do my best to ensure that our students have resources to help them be as successful as they aspire to be.”

For more information, please contact Yingling’s constituent office at 847-231-6262 or email repsamyingling@gmail.com.