JOLIET, Ill. – With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, state Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr., D-Elwood, will help residents receive the financial assistance they need to pay for their schooling at a College Financial Aid Information Session on Monday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Joliet Moose Lodge, located at 25 Springfield Avenue in Joliet.

“Whether an individual enrolling in college for the first time or returning to further their education, financial assistance is available to help cover the costs of going to college,” Walsh said. “Every student should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if they qualify for grants or low-interest loans.”

Walsh’s free event will feature experts from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission who will discuss the different forms of financial aid and work-study programs that are available, answer questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), explain how student loans work, detail application deadlines and provide other helpful tips.

Families unable to attend this presentation can still find helpful information on making college more affordable at www.isac.org. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Walsh’s constituent service office at 815-730-8600, or StateRepLarryWalshJr@gmail.com.

“I appreciate the experts from ISAC for partnering with me for this event and helping answer any questions residents have about covering the cost of higher education,” Walsh said. “I encourage the parents of high school seniors and juniors, as well as non-traditional students, to attend this presentation and learn about the financial assistance available.”

CICERO, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, is helping students apply for financial assistance through a series of free workshops on Thursday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment at her district office, located at 2137 S. Lombard Ave., Suite 205 in Cicero.

“Applying to college can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-generation students who are often unaware of all of the different resources out there to make obtaining a degree more affordable,” Hernandez said. “That’s why I host annual events like my College for Everyone resource fair, and now I’m partnering up with ISAC to help students complete their FAFSA applications. Whether you’re a student, someone who’s planning on applying, or just want to learn more about the college financial aid process, our workshop offers something for everyone.”

Hernandez is partnering with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to provide a financial aid advisor to help students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2018-2019 school year and answer any questions they may have. The FAFSA application period opened in Illinois on Oct. 1, and awards will be made until funds are depleted, so students are strongly encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible. Hernandez hosted her first workshop last Thursday, and will be hosting more on Thursday, Oct. 19, and Thursday Oct. 26.

For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call Hernandez’s full-time constituent service office at 708- 222-5240.

What:              College Financial Aid Workshop

Who:               State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez,

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), and local students

When:             Thursday, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment

Where:            Rep. Hernandez’s District Office

2137 S. Lombard Ave., Suite 205

Cicero

CICERO, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, will host her annual “College for Everyone” resource fair on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Morton College’s Building C, located at 3801 S. Central Ave. in Cicero.

“My annual College for Everyone resource fair is my favorite event of the year because it provides parents and students the opportunity to learn about all of the resources available in the community to make college more accessible,” said Hernandez. “And as a result of Donald Trump’s shameful plan to end DACA, I’m looking forward to having representatives on-hand to help our young people with DACA renewals and answer any questions they may have.”

Participants at this year’s “College for Everyone” event will include representatives from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the Attorney General’s office, the Comptroller’s office, the Secretary of State’s office, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the Mexican Consulate. The aim of the event is to provide parents and students with information about resources available to help them pursue a college degree. The event will feature a financial aid (FAFSA) presentation, information about renewing driver’s licenses and a discussion about Hernandez’s efforts to expand financial aid eligibility.

Additionally, due to current developments with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, residents will be able to receive assistance with renewing their DACA paperwork. However, an RSVP for DACA renewals is required. To register for DACA renewals and for more information, residents can call Hernandez’s full-time constituent service office at (708) 222-5240.

What:  “College for Everyone”

Who:  State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, Cicero Town President Larry Dominick, State Senator Steven Landek, and State Rep. Mike Zalewski

When: Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 am to 2 pm

Where:  Morton College, Building C, located at 3801 S. Central Ave in Cicero