The need for money for college is a growing concern in times like these. Finding scholarships and navigating the federal financial aid process are the most frequent tasks for parents as they prepare to send a child to college. Stories are told about the bags of money that go unused each year, yet tapping into those resources is often confusing.      

Grayson County College’s Bound for College Series will help students and families identify scholarship resources and better understand the application process. “Figuring out Financial Aid” will be held Oct. 23 at 6:00 pm in the GCC Center for Workplace Learning Auditorium. The session is free.

Whether you are a high school student preparing to enter college, already in college or the parent of a college-bound student this free session will help.

“Our local residents, businesses and organizations have been very generous in providing scholarships to help area students achieve their college goals,” said Shelle Cassell, GCC director of Marketing and Public Information. "Also, GCC's Financial Aid department has updated many of its procedures so that students can more easily navigate the whole financial aid process," Cassell said.

This session will explain the many avenues of financial aid, including grants, loans and work-study programs. Students will learn where scholarships can be found, tips for winning a scholarship, what scholarship committees often look for, and how to apply for scholarships including the cover letter and essay tips. An overview of the types of available scholarships, common interview questions and a new website for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA4caster) will be discussed.

It is important for students to act now because the priority deadline for filing FAFSA was Oct. 1 for students planning to attend college in Spring 2009. There is no fee for this event and reservations are not required. Refreshments will be served.

For additional details contact Charles Leslie at 903-415-2532 or mailto:lesliec@grayson.edu.