Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department helps students and parents search and apply for financial aid and scholarships

The Willowbrook Guidance Department is committed to helping students navigate the process of managing the costs involved with attending college.

As part of that commitment, the department has hosted several events this year. This past fall, the department met with seniors and their parents to discuss “Financing Your Education.” During those presentations, topics such as financial aid terms, how to apply for financial aid and how to search and apply for scholarships were discussed. Students also were reminded of the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to help ensure they receive eligible monies.

Three FAFSA Completion Workshops were offered as well, during which members of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) guided students and parents through completing the FAFSA form. Students should begin receiving financial aid award letters soon to assist with making their final college decision. Students who need help interpreting their award letters should see their counselor.

Scholarships are 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 Department at sforcash@dupage88.net or 630-530-3420.