Learn how to navigate financial aid system

 Students and parents who want a little help navigating the college financial aid process are invited to Columbia Falls High School’s annual Financial Aid Night.

The event, put on by Columbia Falls counselors, the Student Assistance Foundation of Montana and Flathead Valley Community College’s Office of Financial Aid, begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in the high school library.

Presenters include Danelle Whitten, the community college’s financial aid scholarships and loans adviser; Mary Howard, the Student Assistance Foundation’s local campus representative; and Columbia Falls High counselors Doug Cordier and Brian Crandell.

“Danelle and Mary are great resources for our parents and students,” Cordier said. “Their experience with the daily operations of FVCC’s financial aid and scholarship programs has given them a wealth of insight into the world of college education funding.”

They will discuss the financial aid application process, deadlines, types of aid available to high school students and more at the workshop.

“With college costs continuing to outpace earnings increases, most families struggle to fund their children’s post-high school education,” Cordier said. “Our workshop will review the funding process, identify aid sources and provide suggestions for obtaining financial aid.”

A wide range of important printed information on college financial aid issues will be available at the event. For further information, call one of the counselors at 892-6500.