THE STATE IS LAUNCHING A CAMPAIGN TO GET HIGH SCHOOLERS TO FILL OUT THE FREE FEDERAL APPLICATION FOR STUDENT AID.

"ROCK THE FAFSA ILLINOIS" AIMS TO INCREASE AWARENESS ABOUT POTENTIAL FINANCIAL AID AND OFFERS FREE ASSISTANCE IN FILLING OUT THE FORMS. THE STATE STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION'S LYNNE BAKER SAYS COMPLETING THE FAFSA CAN BE VERY USEFUL TO FAMILIES.

BAKER SAYS THEY REALLY WANT TO REACH STUDENTS AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES, AND HOPE THE "ROCK THE FAFSA" EFFORT WILL HELP.

HIGH SCHOOLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HOLD FAFSA WORKSHOPS THIS MONTH. BAKER SAYS A NEW STATE LAW REQUIRES ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL SENIORS TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA OR THE ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FOR ILLINOIS FINANCIAL AID IN ORDER TO GRADUATE, ALTHOUGH FAMILIES CAN OPT OUT BY SUBMITTING A FORM.