Students and Parents Encouraged to Create a Plan for Life After High School

HIAWATHA, IOWA (Feb. 5, 2015) — High school juniors, seniors and their parents can learn about the college financial aid and scholarship process at a free seminar at Iowa College Access Network’s Student Success Center in Hiawatha. Both the program and the center are free and open to the public.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, at the Linn County Regional Center in Room 100, 1770 Boyson Road in Hiawatha. During the presentation students and parents will receive answers to questions on topics including the financial aid process, FAFSA application review, understanding FAFSA results, understanding costs, college comparisons, financial aid options, scholarships process and where to go for help.

“It’s vital in today’s world of growing college costs that students have a financial plan in place before they begin college. Unfortunately it’s not always an easy process, especially if you are trying to figure things out on your own,” explained Ryan Ronan, ICAN student success advisor. “Understanding the application process, the requirements for reporting income and assets, all of this can be daunting for any student, but especially for first-time college bound families. This program will help clear up that confusion so families know what to do. I would encourage juniors and seniors, as well as their parents to attend.”

For attendees seeking a more personalized planning session, individual advising appointments can be scheduled following the presentation. For more information about either presentation, students and parents should contact the East Central Iowa Student Success Center by calling 877-272-4692 or emailing ICAN@ICANsucceed.org.

# # #

About ICAN

The Iowa College Access Network is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Hiawatha, Orange City, Ottumwa, Sioux City and Waterloo, which provide information and support to students and their families as they plan their postsecondary education and apply for financial aid. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org