Manley Highlights College Changes Everything Month, Encourages Students to Apply for College

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that students have the opportunity to reach their academic goals and pursue a higher education, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of the resources the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is offering during their College Changes Everything Month this October and beyond.

“With the start of the school year having come and gone, now is a great time for students to begin looking towards the future and preparing for college,” said Manley. “Whether it’s applying for college, securing financial aid, or just getting more information about the college application process, ISAC has a variety of resources available to help students prepare for their academic future. I highly encourage students and their parents to take a few moments this October to learn about the many ways that ISAC can help them pursue a higher education.”

With October being College Changes Everything Month, ISAC is offering a number of different educational seminars and specialized guidance for students who are looking to go to college. These opportunities include college and financial aid workshops, one-on-one assistance, a support network for first generation college students, and more. In addition, ISAC will assist residents in obtaining their FSA ID, which is required to fill out the FAFSA when applications open in December. For more information, please visit www.collegechangeseverything.org.

In order to ensure that all students can achieve their academic goals regardless of the financial situations of their families, Manley has worked to secure financial aid for Illinois students. She helped pass a budget that included $100 million in new funding for MAP Grants and expands the AIM HIGH Scholarship. Manley also helped secure a $22 million investment in the Workforce Equity Initiative, connecting young people with the training they need to prepare them for high-paying jobs.

“Our students are the future of Illinois, so it is critical that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that our students have the resources they need to succeed,” said Manley. “Whether it’s expanding opportunities for higher education or strengthening workforce development efforts, we owe our kids every opportunity possible to help set them up for long-term success.”