At Windham High School, staff helps parents and students through the college admission process, but planning for college financially begins long before a student reaches their doors. To help all Windham parents, a College Financial Planning Night will be held Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

Karen Vigue, College Savings Program Officer from FAME, Financial Authority of Maine, and Lorraine Jordan, a Windham financial consultant, will present information to parents of children of all ages on how to begin saving for college.

During the last three years, an average of 85 percent of Windham High School graduates went on to post secondary school in one, two or four-year programs. Students whose parents are actively involved in college planning are much more likely to enroll in and graduate from college. In a Mitchell Institute report, “Barriers to Postsecondary Education in Maine,” the most influential college access activities in which parents can engage are the following:

1. Speak with admissions personnel at a college or university.

2. Attend a college open house or some other planning event at a college or university.

3. Speak or meet with a bank, or financial advisor regarding college financial planning.