Students, Families Navigate Financial Aid Process at Walker’s College Aid Workshop

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – High school seniors and their families received help applying for college financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at a workshop recently held by state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, and state Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, in conjunction with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

“Navigating the financial aid process can be complicated at times,” Walker said. “I’m grateful we had experts from ISAC on hand to help residents through the application. College aid is given on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it’s important students apply sooner rather than later.”

FAFSA applications for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year opened Oct. 1 for high school seniors. Submitting a FAFSA application can also qualify a student for state-level aid such as MAP Grants. If residents could not attend but would like assistance with the process, students and their families can contact ISAC at 847-544-9217.

“I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken in Illinois to make college more affordable for our residents,” Walker said. “We’ve increased access to our world-class higher education institutions by increasing funding for MAP grants and investing in Illinois’ AIM HIGH grant program. It’s important that as we increase access we also make sure students and their families can navigate the process effectively. I’m thankful for the work ISAC does to help us with that goal.”