CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett is reminding Illinois residents that October is College Changes Everything Month in Illinois. This month, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission teams up with high schools and community partners to support students in their college admission processes.

“The transition from high school to college can be confusing to students, which often times turns away interest in pursuing higher education,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “College Changes Everything Month is a great time to take advantage of the resources available to high school seniors.”

College Changes Everything is a college access movement that recognizes that college can be a life changing experience not only for students, but also for families and communities. In Illinois and across the nation, those who obtain education beyond high school not only see a significant impact on their potential career prospects and future salary, but also reduced levels of poverty, life expectancy, crime, and obesity rates in their communities.

Changes are being implemented in making education after high school more accessible for students, including changes to the FAFSA, expansion of federal Pell Grant eligibility and a $122 million increase in state funding for the Monetary Award Program.

“As chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, it is important to me that students are able to understand the process of applying to higher education institutions,” said Bennett. “I want students and their families to know there is help out there when it comes to applying to colleges.”

This month is an essential part of helping Illinois reach its goal of increasing the proportion of adults in the state with high quality degrees or credentials to 60% by 2025. Find out more and join the conversation at collegechangeseverything.org.