Des Moines, IA., August 3, 2009 - Today, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) announced the launch of a statewide community web portal that will help students transition through middle school, high school, college and beyond, as well as provide tools for adults seeking education and employment opportunities.
The statewide community portal, www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov, encompasses career planning features previously offered by Iowa College Aid, along with expanded career and college planning tools and resources; national, state and local scholarships; free access to ACT, SAT and GRE test preparation tools; as well as Iowa employment opportunities.
"The primary objective of the statewide community portal is to provide a streamlined solution for Iowans in every stage of their lives," stated Karen Misjak, Executive Director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. "We know that many Iowa families have recently been impacted by layoffs and job loss. Everyone from college-bound students and parents to dislocated workers seeking new skills, employment or education opportunities now have free access to services that will help them plan for their futures."
Free test preparation for the ACT, SAT, and GRE standardized college admissions tests is just one of the new tools available to Iowans at www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov. "We believe all Iowans should have the same opportunities to prepare for college entrance exams," said Misjak. "Iowa families can potentially save over $1.5 million if every Iowa high school junior and senior takes advantage of the free test preparation at www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov. It is important that all Iowans have a plan to accomplish their college and employment goals. The State of Iowa is committed to providing tools and resources needed to make that a reality."
Future enhancements to the statewide community portal include :
· One common online application for all state-administered financial aid programs.
· Access to the Iowa Department of Education e-transcript process for Iowa students.
· Convenient online college admission applications to Iowa colleges and universities.
· Ability to connect users to current business and industry openings in Iowa.
· Expanded access to services offered by other state agencies.
Middle school students will be able explore their interests and develop a six-year education course plan. High school and college students, as well as adults looking to return to college, will be able to research colleges, prepare for standardized tests, search for scholarships, apply for state aid programs, access their high school transcripts electronically, and ultimately apply for college admission. Iowans looking for a career change, or in need of additional skills to reenter the workforce, will be able to match their interests and abilities to career options and search for employment opportunities in Iowa. "The possibilities for future additions and enhancements are virtually endless," explained Misjak.
Iowa College Aid has partnered with the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Workforce Development, along with other state partners to determine if additional state services can be incorporated into the statewide community web portal in the future. Stop by Iowa College Aid's booth in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fair from August 13 - 23, 2009, visit www.IowaCollegeAid.gov , or call the Iowa College Aid Information Service Center at 1-877-272-4456 for more information about the statewide community portal, as well as other products and services offered by Iowa College Aid.
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About the Iowa College Student Aid Commission
As the state's designated guaranty agency for the Family Federal Education Loan Program (FFELP), Iowa College Aid guarantees more than $696 million annually in student loans from private lenders to support over 77,000 Iowa students and parents.. In addition, Iowa College Aid administers state scholarship, grant, and loan forgiveness programs totaling over $69.5 million, provides borrowers with assistance to avoid the serious consequences of default, conducts research and distributes higher education data, and offers Iowans assistance in obtaining student financial aid and college-related information. More information is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.
