Gordon-Booth Draws Attention to Financial Aid Resources During College Changes Everything Month

PEORIA, Ill. – As College Changes Everything Month in Illinois draws to a close, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is highlighting college planning and financial aid resources available for local students and families.

“The college application and financial aid process can be a stressful time for students and their families,” Gordon-Booth said. “Thus, it’s critical to draw attention to the free resources available for families and students whether that student is seeking an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or vocational training.”

To assist local families with the college planning and financial aid process, Gordon-Booth is drawing attention to free financial aid workshops and other resources provided by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). ISAC events include college fairs, presentations and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion workshops. Students and families can find local events by visiting studentportal.isac.org/events. Additional tools available for students and families include:

• Weekly Facebook Live question and answer sessions each Thursday until Nov. 21. Students and families can view these sessions at com/ILStudentAssistance.
• Free assistance via text messaging. Students and families can view a local number to text at org/collegeqa.
• Online chat assistance available at ISAC’s student portal at isac.org.
• Students and families can also receive assistance by calling the ISAC call center at 800-899-ISAC (800-899-4722).

“Even though a college education can open up many positive opportunities in a person’s life, the process of applying for college can wear down young people and their families,” Gordon-Booth said. “But that doesn’t have to be the case for local families since our state offers free resources in a variety of forms to assist families during the college application and financial aid process whether a student is seeking vocational education or a traditional degree path.”