Financial aid advisors for Joliet Junior College were on hand to assist potential students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid during a Feb. 17 workshop at the college.

The program was one of several scheduled workshops designed to allow students and other members of the community to gain familiarity with the process of applying for federal funds, as well as other forms of financial aid and scholarships.

During the workshop, students were invited to sit down at one of the many available computers, while advisors provided assistance in navigating the necessary websites and processes for seeking financial aid.

Kathy Holden, a financial aid specialist at JJC, said the time spent helping those who attend the workshop is for their benefit.

“It’s because the advisors are [at the workshop],” she said. “So, there’s help if you have a question. We all work together for the benefit of our students.”

Barbara Rivas, of Crest Hill, was at the workshop with her daughter, a first-year student at JJC. She said the process of filing the FAFSA can be challenging, so they came in for some assistance.

“If it’s your first time coming to college you need guidance,” she said. “Not everyone can do everything on their own.”

She said they had attempted to complete the FAFSA at home, but incurred some difficulties in filing it and hadn’t been able to make enough progress.

Holden said it’s important that people know the event is not only available to students but others in the community, as well.

Helen McMurty, of Lockport, was there with her son looking for some assistance on filing the FAFSA. She said they’d never attended the workshop before but hoped it would be helpful.

“It’s the first time so it’s exciting,” she said. “Just learning the idea of how to finance [college]; it seems they’re giving us a jump start.”

Many forms of financial aid have deadlines that are approaching. Prospective and continuing students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, in an effort to ensure what funds will be available, Holden said.

The deadline to file a FAFSA for the 2016-17 academic year is open now until June 30, 2017.

JJC financial aid advisors at the main campus will next be available for help on Wednesday, March 2 at 4:30 p.m. English/Spanish translators are also on hand for assistance at that time.

For information about future workshop dates, visit jjc.edu or call the financial aid/veterans office at 815-280-2528.

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