Lorain County Community College is supporting February as “Financial Aid Awareness Month” by providing a series of free workshops on how to find financial aid for college. February was chosen last year as “Financial Aid Awareness Month” by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.
“By once again recognizing February as ‘Financial Aid Awareness Month,’ our hope is that we educate more and more students on the financial aid process and help them navigate the best programs for them,” said Stephanie Sutton, director of LCCC’s Financial Services Center.
The workshops, open to all prospective college students and their parents, guardians and other interested parties no matter where they plan to attend, will be held both on the LCCC campus and at each of its outreach centers.
The first is the statewide kick-off event called “College Goal Sunday,” from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, February 14 at the LCCC Bass Library/Community Resource Center on the LCCC campus in Elyria.
Additional financial aid workshops will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, February 23 at the LCCC Wellington Center in Wellington; 4-7 p.m., Wednesday March 3 at the Midpoint Campus Center in Brunswick; and 3:30-7 p.m., Thursday, March 18 at the LCCC Learning Center in Lorain.
The workshops will offer one-on-one assistance with financial aid experts from LCCC, lending institutions and other universities.
Although specific colleges and universities may be represented, information presented in these workshops will be intended for anyone seeking financial aid to any college or university.
At the workshops, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the primary application for all college financial aid, will be available to be completed on-site. In addition, participants will be able to file their FAFSA electronically. Filing the FAFSA is the first step in exploring how much public money a student is eligible to receive for educational expenses. Additionally, lender representatives will also be on hand to answer loan questions. Participants will also be shown how to access the wealth of financial aid information available on the Internet.
“Any prospective student – high school or adult – who wants to lower his or her college costs should complete the FAFSA form,” said Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut, who also noted that lowering the cost of higher education to all Ohioans is an essential strategy of the state’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education.
Those who are dependents should bring their own and their parent’s tax documents, including information on family assets, completed 2009 tax forms (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) and W2 forms. Those who are independent should bring their own tax documents, information on their assets, completed tax forms and W2 forms. Anyone who receives untaxed income (i.e. welfare, child support ADC, social security) should bring documentation of this, including one-year totals.
Reservations are required. To make an appointment, call 1-800-995-5222 (extension 4505), or direct at (440) 366-4505.
The LCCC campus is located at 1005 North Abbe Road in Elyria. The LCCC Learning Center in Lorain is located on the first floor of the St. Joseph Community Center at 205 W. 20th St. in Lorain. The LCCC Wellington Center is located at 151 Commerce Drive in Wellington. The LCCC Midpoint Campus Center is located at 50 Pearl Road in Brunswick.
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February 2, 2010