Las Llaves to Open College Doors

The Las Llaves del Exito/Keys to Success program, a free, daylong college fair for high school juniors and seniors and their parents, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 23, at UT Dallas.

A goal of the event — which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Conference Center — is to eliminate some of the fear and confusion associated with the college preparation process.

The program will include hands-on workshops for students to learn how to fill out applications to area colleges and universities and paperwork for financial aid and scholarships.

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

Bilingual volunteers will be on hand to assist participants.

Interested seniors can get help filling out and submitting admissions and financial aid forms.  Those students should bring the following documents:

• Parents’ 2007 income tax return.
• High school transcript, available from guidance counselor or registrar.
• A college admissions essay (if required by the institution they plan to attend).

Students who have all of the essential forms also will receive assistance completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).

Las Llaves was begun by a committee of community members who wanted to encourage high school students to graduate and continue their education.  The event is sponsored by the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), the Dallas Independent School District and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with area colleges, universities and nonprofit groups.