Rep. Serpa Encourages College Planning with RISLA

Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Warwick, Coventry) would like her constituents who may be thinking about applying to college or have already made a decision about where to enroll to be aware of the services offered by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA).

 “As a former college admissions officer, I know that the college application process, especially as it relates to financial aid, can be overwhelming for both prospective students and their parents,” said Representative Serpa.  “The information and resources available at the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority far exceed what can be learned from a college catalog or website.” 

RISLA has three locations in Rhode Island, including one at the Warwick Mall. The organization helped more than 10,500 Rhode Islanders with their college planning needs in 2011. Counselors can assist students with planning, saving and financing options, as well as with career searches and college selection while they are still in high school.

“High school students typically begin to decide which college to attend by late winter or spring of their senior year,” the representative said. “Accordingly, this is a busy time of year for the counselors at RISLA and they frequently book appointments two or three weeks in advance.  I strongly encourage parents and students to call RISLA as soon as possible to make an appointment.

“When employers decide whether or not to locate in Rhode Island, one of the factors important to them is whether or not we have a properly educated workforce armed with the abilities and higher-level thinking skills critical to making their companies a success. When their companies succeed, our residents are employed and those factors combine to improve the overall state of our economy.”

Parents and students can book appointments online at RISLA’s College Planning Center of Rhode Island at www.cpcri.org or by calling (401) 468-1700. The Warwick Mall location is open seven days per week during the month of March.