Joliet Junior College
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Joliet Junior College Financial Aid/Veterans Office Department Mission Statement: The Financial Aid/Veterans office at Joliet Junior College strives to provide financial resources to students who would otherwise be unable to pursue their educational and professional goals. Through the highest quality service, the expertise of our professional and support staff, significant community outreach efforts, and continual assessment of our policies and procedures, we are deeply committed to providing our students with every opportunity to obtain funding to meet their educational costs. To support this purpose, the Financial Aid/Veterans Office commits to maintaining integrity and accuracy in the delivery of these services.

The Financial Aid/Veterans Office encourages all students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so that it can be determined if they qualify for both federal and state grant assistance. We offer free workshops and one-on-one appointments to assist students in this process. We meet with students individually to educate them regarding student loan funding and eligibility, to further assist them to “Borrow Smart”. We also encourage students to research and apply for the numerous scholarships available.

Joliet Junior College also encourages students to establish residency in our district at least thirty days prior to the start of the semester, and provide documentation of residency to our Admissions Office, to be eligible for in-district tuition rates.

The Joliet Junior College Bookstore offers students the option of renting textbooks instead of having to purchase them, to keep textbook costs to a minimum. Our library also keeps a copy of almost every required text each semester for no-cost use in the library.

The regional PACE public transit system serves our main campus, with a bus stop at the entrance of our Campus Center. This assists students with transportation costs to attend classes on campus.

For students who do not qualify for financial aid, Joliet Junior College also offers a convenient no-interest payment plan option each semester.

The Professional Learning Center (PLC) provides professional development opportunities, resources and support for Joliet Junior College employees so JJC can deliver a lifetime of affordable, accessible and quality learning programs and services to the diverse community it serves.

Project Achieve is an integrated TRIO/Student Support Services program dedicated to enhancing the college experience. Eligible students can access counseling; free professional tutoring in Sciences, English, Math, and Computer Science/Office Systems; and multicultural events in a friendly, supportive atmosphere of dedicated students who want to achieve their goals. Project Achieve provides the tools to stay in college and assists students to graduate and to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue and successfully complete a bachelor's degree. Eligible students include first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with a documented disability. All students must currently be enrolled at Joliet Junior College.

The My Future program is open to youth ages 17-21 who have earned their high school diploma or GED and meet income eligibility guidelines. My Future provides occupational training in high growth-high demand occupations in Will County. Services include: FREE occupational skills training, career assessments, one-on-one and small group mentoring and academic advising, work readiness workshops, and placement into employment.

The Transitioning Young Adults (TYA) program offers Grundy County youth ages 16-21 continuous support through career guidance, employment, and internship opportunities, GED support and vocational training. Participants will receive training and services leading to self-sufficiency. TYA is funded under the federal Workforce Investment Act and the Grundy Livingston Kankakee Workforce Board. No cost to Grundy County eligible youth.

Connect2Employment (C2E) is a program for youth ages 16-21 who meet WIA eligibility. The youth can participate in work readiness and leadership sessions including: interactive interviewing, goal setting, communication, career exploration, stress management, job shadowing, basic skills, conflict resolution, and much more. No cost to Will County eligible youth.

Joliet Junior College also has a new program designed for people looking to acquire skills to be successful in the healthcare industry. This is a collaborative effort between JJC departments: Workforce Development, Corporate & Community Services, Division of Adult & Family Services, and Allied Health/Nursing, to advance bridge programs as a model for providing low income, low skilled individuals with career opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Aschinberg, Dr. L. Claude M.D. Annual Scholarship
The Dr. L. Claude Aschinberg Annual Scholarship was established for Latino students that do not have a social security number. Students must be a seniors in high school in District 525 with a GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) and accepted to JJC as full-time students (12 credit hours or more). This scholarship is awarded to a student with financial need who is unable to qualify for state or federal assistance due to lack of a social security number. Students must submit a written essay (of at least 200 words) on how their education at JJC is going to facilitate them helping and serving in the Latino community. The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees and/or books.

Barnes, Evelyn Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship has been established in honor of Evelyn Barnes. Applicants must be working toward a degree in journalism, taking creative writing classes or be actively involved as a member of the Joliet Junior College Blazer staff (student newspaper). Students must be in good academic standing and have unusual financial need which cannot be fulfilled from existing financial aid programs.

Crawford, Kim Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Kim Crawford to recognize students majoring in Fire Science/EMS at Joliet Junior College. This annual award is given to a JJC student who is enrolled in their second year of the Fire Science/EMS program, has a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and demonstrates financial need. The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees and/or books.

Junior College Student Government Spring Semester Book Scholarship
The JJC Student Government (SG) works together to make sure fellow students’ interests and rights are protected. Members of student government enjoy representing JJC students and have had several successful projects since their formation in 1998. This scholarship is one of the projects SG is proud to be sponsoring. The Book Scholarship is funded by fees collected through the use of the ATM located in the A-Building at Main Campus. A maximum of four $250 scholarships are awarded both fall and spring semesters for use in the JJC bookstore. Students must be currently enrolled in at least 3 credit hours and have earned a minimum of 6 credit hours at the time of application. Students are eligible to receive this award one time only. Current voting members of the JJC Student Government are ineligible.

Joliet Region Model A Restorers Club
This scholarship was established for a student who is a resident of District 525, who demonstrates financial need and is enrolled in the automotive curriculum. Each scholarship award can be used for tuition, fees, and/or books. Joliet residents preferred.

Larson, Evard and Vernetta Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established for a student who is a resident of JJC District 525, has a GPA of 3.0 or above, is pursuing a degree in either Engineering or Engineering Technology and demonstrates financial need.

Mulcahy, James and Alice Automotive Technology Scholarship
The James and Alice Mulcahy Automotive Technology Scholarship has been established to recognize students majoring in Automotive Technology at Joliet Junior College. Applicant must be enrolled in the JJC Automotive Technology Program, hae completed 26 credit hours and have financial need.

Rogers, Leah L. Scholarship
This annual award is given to a student who is a graduate of a high school within District 525 and is a second year (non-freshman) planning to enter the teaching profession and/or is enrolled in the teacher assistant program. The student must demonstrate financial need.

All information has been taken from http://www.jjc.edu/scholarships

JJC Connect
JJC Connect is designed for new students (full-time, part-time, adult, veteran, etc.) to get to know JJC before beginning classes. Students get a chance to meet each other as well as faculty and staff, learn about paying for college, campus life, college resources, and much more. Family members are invited to attend with their students.

The JJC Financial Aid Office also provides information to parents on scholarships and paying for college and assists families in finding options to pay for college.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs works with our Admissions Office to provide outreach to area high schools. They provide prospective students with information on scholarships, tutoring, and mentoring, as well as how an education at the Joliet Junior College is affordable compared to the costs at a four year university.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) provides outreach, academic guidance, personal support, cultural resources, and leadership opportunities to enhance the educational experience and facilitate the academic and personal growth of underrepresented students. OMSA's vision is to increase enrollment and ensure optimal academic success, retention, and graduation of underrepresented groups. OMSA supports diversity initiatives to enhance the college community in creating a diverse, culturally inclusive environment.

OMSA also provides information on scholarships and resources at: http://www.jjc.edu/multicultural-affairs/Pages/scholarships-resources.aspx

Pell Grant: Available to undergraduates and does not have to be repaid. It can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Campus-based grant awarded to undergraduates that does not have to be repaid. It can be used for same expenses as the Pell Grant.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award Program (ISAC MAP): Illinois state grant available to undergraduate students that does not have to be repaid. Used for tuition and fees, excluding course fees at JJC.

Illinois Incentive for Access Grant (IIA): Illinois supplemental grant available to undergraduate freshmen students with an EFC of 0.

Federal Work-Study (FWS): Based on EFC and for students enrolled in 6 credit hours. This is paid every two weeks in conjunction with the regular college payroll.

All covered above.

AEC Construction Advisory Committee Scholarship
This scholarship was established to recognize students majoring in technical careers at Joliet Junior College. The scholarship is for a part- or full-time student who has a minimum of 24 credit hours earned with 12 credits in AEC or Construction Management and a 3.0 or above GPA. An essay is required discussing future goals in the Construction Management industry and why they deserve the scholarship. This scholarship is for tuition, fees and books.

Cwiklo, Edward J. Technical Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Joliet Junior College Foundation to honor Edward J. Cwiklo for his generous donation to Joliet Junior College. The scholarship is for a student who is enrolled part-time in a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11 credit hours and is majoring in the technical curriculum. Applicant must upload a letter of recommendation from any full- or part-time faculty member in the Technical Department. Applicant must also complete the essay question (a paragraph) on why they should be considered for the scholarship. This scholarship is for tuition, fees and books.

Joliet Junior College Auto Club Scholarship
The JJC Auto Club has established this scholarship for a part-time student who is majoring in the JJC Automotive Program. Applicant must have earned 9 credit hours and have a 2.5 or above GPA. A brief essay is required explaining why the student is deserving of a scholarship.

Joliet Junior College's licensed Early Childhood Center is offered to students and staff at the college. We make it possible for students or employees with children ages 3 -5 years old to attend classes or work while incurring minimal child care expenses. We maintain a program of learning experiences while providing care and protection in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. We provide guidance and encourage the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of the individual child. We also provide opportunities for social interactions during short tours and activities on campus.

The Early Childhood Center was established to provide young children with a safe and healthy environment where they are nurtured and cared for by responsible caregivers. It is open to members of the JJC community, students and staff. Childcare professionals take a developmental approach to the preschool curriculum and follow the guidelines developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Joliet Junior College offers financial and educational assistance to veterans, insuring that they have the opportunity to take classes after their service is complete. A detailed list of Veterans Education Programs can be found at http://www.jjc.edu/financial-aid/Pages/veterans-education-programs.aspx.

Other websites where information about the institution's affordability and access programs is available include:
http://www.jjc.edu/multicultural-affairs/
http://www.jjc.edu/project-achieve