U-46 to host series of college readiness financial aid events

Elgin Area School District U-46 is partnering with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to offer a series of college readiness events designed to guide high school seniors and their parents through the college application and financial aid process.

This month, ISAC representatives are on hand during U-46 high school parent-teacher conferences to provide families with information about financial aid.

ISAC representatives and guidance counselors are available to assist with application completion at U-46 high school computer labs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The remaining dates are: Oct. 8, 20 and 22 for South Elgin High School; Oct. 9 for Elgin High School; Oct. 21 for Larkin High School; and Oct. 22-23 for Streamwood High School.

In November, ISAC will provide presentations in English and Spanish to parents and high school seniors about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and financial aid process.

Presentations will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 10 at Bartlett High School, Nov. 11 at Elgin High School, Nov. 18 at Larkin High School, Nov. 13 at South Elgin High School and Nov. 17 at Streamwood High School.

ISAC will host FAFSA Nights in English and Spanish to help high school seniors complete FAFSA forms at their high school laboratories.

FAFSA Nights are scheduled for:

• Bartlett High School: Jan. 13 (Spanish); Jan. 28 and Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.

• Elgin High School: Jan. 14 and Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 8 a.m. (Spanish)

• Larkin High School: Jan. 15, Feb. 4 and Feb. 19 (Spanish) at 6 p.m.

• South Elgin High School: Jan. 22, Feb. 11 (Spanish) and Feb. 26

• Streamwood High School: Jan. 21, Feb. 5 and Feb. 7 (Spanish)

In March and April, ISAC will host Financial Award Letter Nights in English and Spanish to help students and parents understand their financial aid award letters. ISAC will also provide mentorship hours throughout the school year at area high schools for students who want one-on-one help.

Presentations are available upon request on the following topics: "Welcome to High School" (8th/9th), "Connect the Dots" (8th-10th), "Paving the Road to College" (10th), "Taking Tough Classes" (9th), "College Knowledge Jeopardy" (9th-10th), "Resume: Your Passport" (9th-12th), "College 101" (11th-12th), "Vocational and Trade Schools" (11th-12th grade), "Preparing for the ACT" (11th-12th), "Supporting Your Student" (Parents, 11th-12th), "Get Involved" (9th), "Preparing for Your Senior Year" (11th), "Headed to College" (12th), "All About Scholarships" (11th-12th), "Managing College Costs" (12th).