Carbondale Reporter

Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler recently urged high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall to pay attention to available financial aid. "High school seniors attending college in the fall, listen up!" said Fowler in a Facebook post where he shared information about student financial aid.

"High school seniors attending college in the fall, listen up," said Fowler, Illinois State Senator (R), according to Facebook. "You can access valuable resources to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. There is still time to apply for financial aid. Visit ISAC's website for free assistance with the college planning and financial aid process."

In his social media message, Fowler directed students and their families to visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) for more information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). ISAC provides grants and scholarships based on factors such as financial need, chosen field of study, military service, or academic achievements, according to its official website. The commission may also offer a prepaid tuition program for eligible students.

Screenshot of Senator Dale Fowler's May 16 Facebook post | Senator Dale Fowler's Facebook page

The FAFSA form is a crucial document that high school seniors intending to attend college must complete to secure federal student aid. This free application allows students to apply for federal grants, work-study programs, and federal loans. According to StudentAid.gov, many states use the data from a FAFSA application to determine whether students are eligible for financial assistance from the state and various schools. The website also notes that some private scholarship providers and loan sources may use this same information to ascertain if an applicant qualifies for financial support.

Established by state lawmakers in 1957, ISAC was designed to remove obstacles preventing Illinois students from pursuing postsecondary education. The commission has adopted a nationwide goal aimed at supporting college completion – it aims to help Illinois increase the proportion of adults with postsecondary credentials by 60% by 2025.

Fowler represents the constituents of the 59th Senate District. Prior to joining the state senate, he served as mayor of Harrisburg and currently holds a position as a business development officer for People’s National Bank in Harrisburg since his retirement from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012. His political and civic experience includes serving as a city commissioner and as a Saline County Board member, according to his official Senate biography. He is also the chairman of the Midland Institute’s Saline County CEO program, which focuses on educating youths about entrepreneurial opportunities.