Kankakee Community College is hosting workshops to help college-bound students and their parents understand the financial aid and scholarship process. Staff will explain and clarify the types of aid that are available.

On October 2 and November 7, KCC’s financial aid staff will educate students and parents on the ins-and-outs of paying for college. These presentations will have in-depth information on sources available to help cover the costs of college. There also will be assistance with completing the KCC scholarship application, which becomes available October 1. For scholarship application help, bring a list of extracurricular activities the student participated in and contact information for up to three references.

On January 17, January 24, and February 8: The workshop concentrates on assistance filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the form used at all two- and four-year colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal and state grants, work-study programs, subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, and some scholarships. Bring completed 2022 tax returns and W2s, as well as a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, username, and password for student and parent. Student/parent FSA IDs must have separate email addresses.

Reservations are not required. The schedule includes:

•Paying for College and Scholarship Workshop, Monday, October 2, from 6-8 p.m., in KCC Room M120, 100 College Drive in Kankakee.

•Paying for College and Scholarship Workshop, Tuesday, November 7, from 6-8 p.m., KCC Room M120, 100 College Drive in Kankakee.

•FAFSA Workshop, Wednesday, January 17, from 6-8 p.m., KCC Room M120, 100 College Drive, Kankakee.

•FAFSA Workshop, Wednesday, January 24, from 6-8 p.m., KCC’s Miner South Extension Center, 1488 E. Walnut Street, Watseka.

•FAFSA Workshop, Thursday, February 8, from 6-8 p.m., KCC Room M120, 100 College Drive, Kankakee.

All sessions are provided as a public service and are open to students and parents regardless of the college they plan to attend.

The 2024-25 FAFSA is expected to become available before December 31. Students may apply for 2024-25 scholarships at KCC from October 1 to May 1, 2024.

“We recommend all prospective students complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available this December, even if the student is still deciding on a school,” said Kendra Souligne, KCC director of financial aid. “Your financial aid package starts with submitting your FAFSA, and we are here to help guide you through this process.”

To fill out a 2024-2025 FAFSA, participants will need their 2022 income information, such as tax returns and W-2 forms, plus an FSA ID username and password. Separate FSA IDs are required for both the student and parent. Go to studentaid.gov/fsa-id<https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing> to create an account.

For more information, visit www.kcc.edu/finaid<http://www.kcc.edu/finaid>, phone 815-802-8550, or email finaid@kcc.edu<mailto:finaid@kcc.edu>.