For students taking summer classes, Pell Grants are now available to help meet financial needs.

For the first time since 2011, IVCC students who used their full Pell allocation in prior fall and spring semesters can access a second Pell for summer.

“The second grant will not increase the student’s lifetime maximum for Pell usage but will allow a faster progression toward the student’s certificate or associate’s degree,” said IVCC Director of Financial Aid Patty Williamson.

To receive the second Pell, students must be registered for a minimum of six credit hours and are asked to complete the 2018 Summer Financial Aid Request Form, available on the Financial Aid website under “Forms” (www.ivcc.edu/financialaid).

Lorri Foockle, IVCC Financial Aid Advisor, shared information on Pell Grants and what it takes to receive them.

“[They] can be used for paying the cost of attending an institution of higher learning up through a bachelor’s degree or a lifetime limit of six full-time years of payment,” Foockle said.

“A grant is not a loan and does not require repayment if the student successfully completes the credits for which they received payment from the grant.”

If you are a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the U.S. and have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible.

Foockle said other criteria for eligibility include prior academic history, prior financial aid history (for example, not being in default on student loans), as well as other requirements.

When submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) students are automatically considered for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study and Federal Student Loan.

Foockle added that the Financial Aid Office is open year round to assist students with completing FAFSA regardless of where the student may be attending college.

For more information, stop in the Financial Aid office (CTC-101S) or call 815-224-0438.