Community Corner

Learn How to Apply For College Loans for Free

The Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park is hosting a free FAFSA clinic on Saturday. Reserve a spot while they last.

 

The Bridge Teen Center is looking to alleviate one of the major pains that come with applying for college.

On Saturday, the community center will host a free clinic to help parents of high school seniors, and current college students, to successfully apply for student loans through the Free Application for Student Aid or FAFSA, according to a release from the center.

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The clinic will be run by members of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and will be split into two main parts, according to the Bridge.

1. One-on-one sessions (with free morning/afternoon snacks) for guidance in filling out the required FAFSA online or by mail. Laptops will be available to fill out the FAFSA online. Parents are asked to bring all related 2012 tax paperwork.

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2. Financial aid workshop (with free lunch) to learn about resources available to help pay for college. Our lunch workshop lays out for parents the financial process, finding scholarships, avoiding scams, how FAFSA works, and more.

“It’s so great to see the demeanor of parents change after they participate in our FAFSA program,” said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center, in the release. “This paperwork can be very intimidating, and it is rewarding to see so many people walk away from the program without the same burden they walked in with.”

Because of limited space, parents are asked to sign up for the free one-on-one sessions and financial aid workshop in advance. Lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A.

Workshop: Free FAFSA clinic

When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9.

Where: The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park

Cost: Free, though attendees need to sign up ahead of time, either through The Bridge Teen Center’s website or by calling 708-532-0500.

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