Check out programs, financial aid at University Center open house

Adults looking to complete a degree program can investigate more than 80 programs from 19 colleges, plus get assistance in completing and submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, when University Center of Lake County hosts its open house on March 20.

The event is 6 to 8 p.m., at the state-of-the art Grayslake facility at 1200 University Center Drive, near the intersection of Washington Street and Lancer Lane.

Reserve a place at the open house by visiting www.ucenter.org/register.

The open house will showcase programs available through University Center at its facilities in Grayslake and Waukegan, at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago, or via online study.

These programs enable students to complete a range of bachelor’s degrees, earn various graduate degrees or pursue professional certificates. Representatives from the University Center’s member schools will be on-site to answer questions and provide further information about their programs.

The evening also includes the final in a series of financial aid workshops that began in January and included a dozen sessions at the University Center, the College of Lake County, various Lake County high schools and the Waukegan Public Library.

Volunteers trained by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will be on hand to assist students in completing and submitting their FAFSA forms online. Students who wish to do so should bring their 2011 tax forms, driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, and asset information. Students who are still dependent on their parents should also bring their parents’ information.

Some volunteers will be bilingual and students applying for financial aid for the first time are especially welcome.