The cost of higher education seems to rise every year and it can be difficult to understand how to pursue financial aid. Jennifer Smith is the engagement director with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. She said there is a virtual community scholarship fair especially for graduating high school seniors who live in the region.
"It's a great opportunity to meet directly with local scholarship providers," she said, "and talk about the scholarships they offer."
Smith said there will be live seminars, presentations and information about how to apply for a scholarships.
Smith said there are also scholarships available for non-traditional students, including adults who are returning to college and those who have been homeschooled or unschooled.
"Really we say it's for students of all ages, backgrounds and educational aspirations," Smith said. "There is a scholarship out there for them."
Smith said the fair is a result of a longtime partnership between the CFNIL, Rockford Public Library, Rock Valley College Foundation and the Illinois State Assistance Commission.
"This is the 11th year," she said, "that this community scholarship fair will be offered as a resource for students and parents and anyone interested in learning more about the scholarships that are available in our community."
Smith added that the Rockford Chamber of Commerce was integral to the fair, which is virtual this year because of the pandemic.
"We are extremely grateful to them for allowing us to use their subscription to a virtual expo platform," she said. "It is the only way we are going to be able to do the community scholarship fair this year."
The fair takes place Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. It's free, but you need to register first. To do that, click here. It contains information about registering along with an abundance of information about scholarships for northern Illinois students.
