Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present free workshops at district high schools. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are interested in learning more about options for paying for college.
Following an overview of the aid programs available, staff will also assist attendees with filling out and filing the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“Filling out the FAFSA is always the first step to take in order to obtain federal and state aid for college, and also to apply for scholarships,” said Nikki Rittenhouse, financial aid director at Spoon River College. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to have it completed accurately and on time.”
FAFSA applications can be filed beginning October 1, using 2024 income tax information, rather than waiting until January 1, 2026 or after. The school code for all locations of Spoon River is 001643, and this code is needed to complete the FAFSA application. More than one college can be listed on the application.
Rittenhouse noted that information about other financial assistance programs such as funding for veterans, scholarships, student loans, and payment plans will also be presented, and even those not planning on attending Spoon River College are welcome to attend.
The schedule for the high school visits and FAFSA completion workshops is as follows: Astoria HS: October 2, 6 p.m.
Canton HS: October 22, 6 p.m. (informational presentation) and November 4, 6 p.m. (FAFSA completion); Cuba HS: October 1, 5:50 p.m.
Farmington HS: October 23, 6 p.m. (informational presentation) and February 11, 2006, 6 p.m. (FAFSA completion) Havana HS: October 23, 6 p.m.
Lewistown HS: October 8, 6 p.m.
Macomb HS: September 18, 5:30 p.m. (informational presentation) and November 5, 5:30 p.m. (FAFSA completion) Rushville-Industry HS: October 22, 6 p.m. (informational presentation) and January 7, 2026, 6 p.m. (FAFSA completion) Spoon River Valley HS: October 25, 6 p.m.
Table Grove HS: October 15, 5:30 p.m.
Attendees who wish to fill out the FAFSA should bring students’ Social Security and driver’s license numbers, 2024 W-2's, 2024 federal income tax return, parent's 2024 federal income tax return and W-2s (if required), and any additional untaxed income such as veteran's benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker's compensation.
SRC staff who will be attending are financial aid coordinators Charlie Cox and Joseph Shelko.
For more information, visit www.src.edu and click on the Financial Aid link under the Student Services tab or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6073 in Macomb.
