On Wednesday, Oct. 9, Patten Free Library will host an information session for local high school students about financial aid and paying for college. The session is free, open to the public, and will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library’s second floor community room.  No preregistration is required.

The October 9 session, “Paying for College,” will be led once again by Jessica Whittier, a college access counselor with the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).  She will provide an overview of the financial aid process, and will cover topics such as the financial aid profile, FAFSA, and resources and programs available to Maine citizens who are applying to college.  

FAME was first established as Maine's business finance agency in 1983 and charged with supporting the start-up, expansion and growth plans of Maine's business community.  The agency began working closely with Maine's lending community to improve access to capital as well as to help fill gaps that exist in the State's capital delivery system.

In April of 1990, FAME's mission was significantly expanded when the agency assumed responsibility for administering the State's higher education finance programs. Through a variety of loan, grant and scholarship programs, FAME helps Maine students and families meet the costs associated with higher education.

To aid in this important effort, FAME also oversees an extensive outreach and counseling program that is designed to encourage young people to aspire to and pursue higher education.

For additional information, please contact Roberta Jordan, Outreach and Instruction Librarian, at 207-443-5141, extension 25.