For immediate release — Jan. 25, 2008

(DALLAS) — The frenzy is upon them ... that time of year when high school juniors and seniors are thinking about college; are concerned about applications, financial aid forms or courses of study; and simply want to know how to navigate the waters of higher education. They are confused, excited and sometimes a little bit frightened. 

The Dallas County Community College District will eliminate some of that fear and confusion by providing a fact-filled and useful day of information to those students and their parents through the Las Llaves del Exito (Keys to Success) program on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. The free event, which targets high school juniors and seniors — as well as their parents, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of Texas at Dallas.

The one-day program in UTD’s Conference Center is a college fair for families. UTD is located at 800 W. Campbell Road in Richardson; enter UTD on University Parkway off of Campbell Road and turn left on Drive A. The conference center is located on the right, and participants can park in lots I and H off of Drive H; bus transportation is available.

Las Llaves is sponsored by DCCCD, the Dallas Independent School District and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with area colleges, universities and nonprofit groups.   

The program includes hands-on workshops during which students will learn how to fill out applications for admission to DCCCD and area colleges and universities, as well as paperwork for financial aid and scholarships — including DCCCD’s Rising Star program.  Bilingual volunteers will be available to assist participants. 

Interested seniors will receive assistance with filling out and submitting their college admissions and financial aid forms. Those students should bring the following documents: a copy of their parents’ 2007 income tax return; a copy of their high school transcript, available from their guidance counselor or registrar; and a copy of their college admissions essay (if required by the institution they plan to attend). Students who have all of the essential forms will receive assistance completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). (See below for a FAFSA checklist in English and Spanish.)

College representatives, admissions specialists and financial aid advisors will talk to families about the steps they need to take to be considered for admission and financial aid. Other sessions will explore writing an essay, paying for college, SAT/ACT test preparation and more. Brunch will be provided. 

Las Llaves was started several years ago by a committee of community members who wanted to encourage high school students to graduate and continue their education. 

For more information in English or Spanish, call DCCCD at (214) 860-2432 or visit these Web sites: http://www.dcccd.edu/keystosuccess or http://www.dcccd.edu/llavesdelexito.

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Las Llaves del Exito: Fast Facts
FAFSA Checklist (English)
FAFSA Checklist (Spanish)

Press contact: Ann Hatch
214-860-2478; ahatch@dcccd.edu
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