Will County Gazette

Republican House Minority Leader Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) is slated to host a College Financial Aid and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Workshop for parents and students of his 97th District on Oct. 16.

Held at the Plainfield Township Community Center, the two-hour event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

“For those new to the FAFSA process, this workshop is a great tutorial,” Batinick said in a press release. “With the rising cost of college tuition, learning about federal student aid and how to accurately apply for it is essential. I understand that as the college application process begins, a huge factor in that decision is cost.”

As part of the event, those in attendance will be shown a presentation on college costs, types of financial aid and how to apply for it. In addition, there will be a hands-on FAFSA portion of the program designed to guide students and parents through the process.  

“This workshop is meant to help reduce the stress and confusion in that process by giving you all the tools you need,” Batinick said.

Those planning to take part in the event are required to bring a laptop and their most recent tax information.

A member of the Appropriations Higher-Education Committee, the forums have become an annual event for Batinick, who is encouraging everyone in the district to attend.

Batinick has served in Springfield since 2015 and was appointed Republican House Floor Leader by Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) earlier this year. His 97th District includes portions of Oswego, Montgomery, Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Joliet and Shorewood.