Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department shares important information about scholarships, financial aid

In December, the Willowbrook Guidance Department met with senior students to discuss “Financing Your Education.”

During that presentation, financial aid terms, how to apply for financial aid and how to search and apply for scholarships were discussed. Students were reminded of the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by Feb. 15 to help ensure eligible monies are available. Willowbrook will offer two FAFSA Completion Workshops, during which members of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will assist students and parents with completing their FAFSA form. The "Mad Money" FAFSA Completion Workshops will take place at Willowbrook on the following times and dates.

  • Jan. 23: 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Jan. 28: 5 to 7 p.m.

Students and their parents should bring their social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and completed 2015 taxes. If taxes are not yet completed, last year's taxes can be used with estimated numbers.

The presentation in December also discussed scholarships as a great way to help students and their families with the costs of college. There is quite an array of scholarships, so there is something for everyone. Many scholarships are based on merit, but there also are some based on ethnicity, gender, volunteer work, future education plans, financial status and other factors.

Students can search and apply for scholarships through multiple avenues, including:

  • The financial aid page of the colleges/universities to which they apply
  • Student’s or parent’s employer (many companies offer scholarships for children of their employees)
  • National scholarship search sites such as www.Fastweb.com,www.Scholarships.com and Naviance (a more extensive list can be found on the “Guidance Counseling & Student Services” page on Willowbrook’s website at http://tinyurl.com/z2w6j44)
  • A large focus at Willowbrook is local scholarship offerings. There are many businesses and organizations throughout DuPage County that offer scholarships for students. Students can find those scholarships by visiting the Scholarship Bulletin Board in the Counseling Office, the College and Career Center and Willowbrook’s website. Students also are highly encouraged to visit the Financial Aid & Scholarships page at http://tinyurl.com/hdalwj5. On that page, students will find financial aid information, helpful websites and a list of available scholarships.

For questions or more information about scholarships, contact Scott Forcash in the Counseling Office at sforcash@dupage88.net or 630-530-3420.